S. Ballesh
Pandit S. Ballesh Bhajantri | |
|---|---|
Pandit Ballesh playing shehnai, in a tribute concert for Ustad Bismillah Khan, Chennai | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Ballappa Sanna Bharamappa Bhajantri |
| Also known as | S. Ballesh, S. Balesh, Baalesh, Ballappa, Balu |
| Born | M.K.Hubli, Karnataka, India |
| Occupation(s) | Shehnai player, classical vocalist |
| Instrument | Shehnai |
| Website | shehnaiballesh |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | Hindustani classical music, modern and film music, gospel |
| Years active | 1970–present |
Pandit S. Ballesh Bhajantri (born Ballappa Sanna Bharamappa Bhajantri) is a popular Indian classical Hindustani shehnai player. He is a disciple of shehnai player Ustad Bismillah Khan, he is benares gharana shehnai player and a patiala gharana hindustani vocalist, ghazal singer, Indian playback singer and musician, Ballesh is credited with popularizing the shehnai, a reeded woodwind instrument. He is also a Prasar Bharati's All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan 'TOP' Grade shehnai artist and hindustani vocalist.
In 2022, he was awarded India's fourth-highest civilian honour, the Padma Shri, in the field of Art. He is the second classical musician of India after Ustad Bismillah Khan to receive the award as a shehnai player. He has also worked for Ilaiyaraaja and A. R. Rahman.