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Hrishikesh Koli is a renowned figure in the world of Marathi theater, hailing from a middle-class Marathi neighborhood in Mumbai, particularly from Prabhadevi. Born as the youngest child in his family, he inherited a rich artistic lineage. His maternal grandfather, Advocate Prabhakar Saigaonkar, was not only a distinguished lawyer but also an amateur playwright who showcased his talents during the pre-independence era. This familial exposure to the arts laid the foundation for Hrishikesh's own creative journey.

During his grandpa's academic years at Ruia College in Mumbai, his grandpa's distinct features—fair complexion and blue eyes—drew comparisons with the famous Marathi actor, Master Dattaram. This comparison hinted at the inherent talent and charisma that ran in the family. Additionally, his mother, Vanita Koli, had a penchant for directing children's plays during her school days, while his uncle, Sham Saigaonkar, ventured into music by establishing the orchestra "Rhythm Parade." Surrounded by such a rich artistic environment, Hrishikesh naturally gravitated towards the world of performing arts.

Early Life
His formal education in Interior Design at Raheja School of Art, Bandra, proved to be a pivotal period in his life. It was during his Diploma in Set Design between 1999 and 2001 that he encountered the late theater luminary, Jaydev Hattangadi. Under Hattangadi's mentorship, Hrishikesh's latent talent began to flourish. Subsequently, during his tenure at Wilson College, Girgaon Chowpatty, Hrishikesh showcased his prowess in writing at an inter-college drama competition. His distinctive style and bold narratives caught the attention of seasoned theater practitioners, garnering widespread acclaim.

Between 1999 and 2012, Hrishikesh honed his craft as a playwright, leaving his contemporaries awestruck with his unparalleled storytelling abilities. His decade-long dedication to the art form culminated in the production of his first commercial play, "Ek Ticket Cinemache," under the banner of Mohan Wagh's esteemed theater company, Chandralekha. This milestone marked the beginning of Hrishikesh's illustrious career in Marathi theater, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the industry.

Career
Hrishikesh Koli's ascent in the realms of literature and performing arts commenced with his commendable display of writing acumen during his collegiate years. His prowess as a wordsmith was duly recognized, leading to a collaborative endeavor with producer Mohan Wagh to bring forth his inaugural theatrical creation, "Ek Ticket Cinemach."

In the annals of Marathi theater, the year 2011 witnessed the unveiling of "Girgaon Via Dadar," an opus steeped in the historical tapestry of the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement. This seminal work not only elucidated significant socio-political themes but also underscored Koli's adeptness at weaving narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.

Subsequently, Koli embarked on a voyage through the realm of satire, presenting thought-provoking dramas such as "Ek Saath Namaste" and "Veer Daudle Saatch." These theatrical endeavors served as a testament to his astute observations of contemporary society, delivered with a deft touch of wit and insight.

In a paradigm-shifting move, Koli unveiled the experimental masterpiece "Var Khali Donn Paay" in 2017. Drawing inspiration from the iconic characters of Jaywant Dalvi's magnum opus "Purush," this avant-garde production pushed the boundaries of traditional theater. Critics lauded Koli's audacious vision, likening the innovation to the groundbreaking work of Luigi Pirandello, particularly his seminal play "Six Characters in Search of an Author."

Venturing beyond the proscenium arch, Koli ventured into the domain of cinema as a screenwriter. His cinematic debut arrived in 2015 with the release of "Carry on Maratha" heralding the dawn of a new chapter in his creative journey. Subsequent cinematic offerings, including "Slambook," "702 Dixit," "Majha Agdbam," "Boyz," "Girls," "36 Gunn," "Yere Yere Paisa 2," "Ghe Double," and "Vishu," underscored his versatility in storytelling across various genres.

In addition to his contributions to the cinematic landscape, Koli has left an indelible mark as a mentor and coach to esteemed actors. Notably, he provided invaluable guidance to Ranveer Singh for his portrayal in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus "Bajirao Mastani" and Soham Shah for his role in Rahi Barve's internationally acclaimed masterpiece "Tumbbad," further solidifying his stature as a luminary in the world of performing arts.

Awards
Hrishikesh Koli garnered accolades as an exemplary playwright during his collegiate years, securing the prestigious Alpha TV Marathi (now Zee Marathi) award for excellence in writing in a notable intercollegiate competition. His contributions to the Indian National Theater landscape were duly recognized with a succession of awards, spanning from 2005 to 2014, including notable honors for productions such as "Girgaon Via Dadar" in 2010 and "Muskat" in 2014.

In 2012, Koli received esteemed commendation from the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Natya Parishad, Mumbai branch, with Mandakini Gogate Award for his exceptional work in the acclaimed play "Girgaon Via Dadar." This recognition elevated him to the esteemed rank of the finest playwrights within the theatrical fraternity.