Anand Alkunte, born in Pune was introduced to theatre in 1991 by one of his friend through a summer theatre workshop. There he acted for the first time in a one act play “Sadu and Dadu” written by P.L.Deshpande. An innocent performer and Unaware of the dynamics of theatre, he was appreciated in his first ever performance in cameo role. Through theatre Anand found a new medium to express himself and started taking keen interest in theatrical activities. Though this group did not last long, but his newly found interest in theatre made him apply for a summer workshop of Progressive Dramatic Association (PDA) in 1992. PDA is one of the pioneering experimental theatre groups in Pune formed in 1954.

         Anand was selected in the PDA workshop and was one of the youngest recipient in that workshop at the age of 16 years. Anand was first time exposed to the world of theatre through lecture series by eminent personalities from theatre and films.Lectures on various aspects of theatre,theatre games, improvisations and one act plays formed a strong foundation for Anand to become a performer. He worked hard on his language skills, body movements, dance and tried to learn each and every aspect of theatre like theatre games, back stage management, drapery, light designing, sound designing, sound operating, property management etc.

         During his days of theatre in Pune Anand was also keen about his education. He completed his Undergraduate degree in Hotel Management through MSIHMCT,Pune and then went on to complete his Bachelors Degree (BA) in English through SymbiosisCollege in 1998. He has also completed MBA in HR from Pune University MBA department (PUMBA) in 2001.

         While working at PDA he got involved with various theatrical activities in Pune and got an opportunity to work with various organisations like Artist Guild, Avakash Kala Manch, Lalit Kala Kendra, Maharashtra Cultural Centre, Bharat Natya Mandir etc. He also attended following theatre workshops to hone his skills during the same time.

•   Attended workshop by theatre director Faisal Alkazi 1994

•   Attended modern dancing workshop by Bill Evans from New Mexico.

•   Workshop on Voice and Speech by Dr.Shreeram Lagoo.

•   Intensive theatre workshop by eminent Theater director Satyadev Dubey Jee.

•   Participant in Work shop “Theater Hotel courage”

•   THESPO workshop