Who was Balabuva Satarkar, and why was he called the 'Modern Tukaram'?

Balabuva Satarkar was a Haridas, a performer of devotional music and stories, who was originally from Satara but resided in Parel, Mumbai at the time. According to Chapter 6, he earned the title 'Modern Tukaram' specifically for his skill in singing Bhajans. His life was deeply connected to religious festivals; he had an annual grant, backed by an imperial decree, to perform the Ram Navami and Ashadhi Ekadashi Kirtans at a holy place called Siddha-Kavthe. His desire for Sai Baba's darshan arose after hearing of Baba's fame, and he was eventually brought to Shirdi by Kaka Mahajani to perform the Ram Navami Kirtan there when his usual engagement was cancelled.