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Dr. S. Ballesh Bhajantri

Founder

Taan Academy of Music

Shehnai Maestro | Hindustani Vocalist | Playback Singer | Ghazal Singer

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Pandit Dr. S. Ballesh Bhajantri, an internationally acclaimed Banaras Gharana Shehnai exponent, is one of India’s foremost musicians, carrying forward the legacy of his revered guru, Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan. He is also a celebrated Patiala Gharana Hindustani vocalist, ghazal and playback singer, and an All India Radio & Doordarshan “Top Grade” Shehnai Vidwan.

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In 2022, the Government of India conferred upon him the prestigious Padma Shri, the nation’s fourth-highest civilian honour, making him only the second Shehnai player in history, after Ustad Bismillah Khan, to receive this award. This recognition re-established the Shehnai at the centre stage of Indian classical music.

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Musical Journey

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  • Trained initially by his father Pandit Sanna Bharamanna Bhajantri and uncle Pandit Dodda Bharamanna, he later studied under stalwarts like Dr. D.P. Hiremath, Pandit Kodand Singh Salunke, Pandit Prakash Singh Salunke, and Padma Bhushan Pandit Puttaraja Gawai.

  • His musical journey spans over five decades, earning the title “Dakshina Bharat Bismillah Khan”, bestowed by his guru himself.

  • He is the only surviving direct disciple of Ustad Bismillah Khan.

 

Legendary Contributions

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  • A key musician for Ilaiyaraaja, A.R. Rahman, M.M. Keeravani, Hamsalekha and many others for over 45 years.

  • Has played Shehnai and sung Hindustani alaaps in over 12,000 movie background scores, 85,000 film songs in more than 16 Indian languages, and 1,50,000 devotional compositions.

  • His Shehnai is immortalized in films such as Raanjhanaa, Rockstar (The Dichotomy of Fame), Swades, and Bahubali.

  • Holds Noble World Records for the maximum number of film songs performed on the Shehnai.

 

Awards & Recognitions

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  • Padma Shri (Govt. of India, 2022)

  • Karnataka Rajyotsava Award (Karnataka, 2023)

  • Kalaimamani Award (Tamil Nadu, 2020)

  • Karnataka Kalashree (Karnataka, 2019)

  • Ustad Bismillah Khan Kala Ratna Samman (Govt. of India & Ustad Bismillah Khan’s family)

  • Asthana Vidwan of Sri Kalahasthi & Ugadi Puraskar (Andhra Pradesh)

  • Honorary Doctorates from Bangalore North University (2022) & Rani Channamma University, Belagavi (2024)

  • International Reputed Shehnai Award (Noble World Records Forum)

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Spreading the Legacy

 

As the Founder of Taan Academy of Music, Chennai, Pandit Ballesh is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians. His academy promotes Hindustani classical music through concerts, workshops, scholarships, and cultural festivals. With an illustrious career spanning the concert stage and the film world, Pandit Ballesh has elevated the Shehnai beyond generational and geographical boundaries—carrying forward the voice of tradition with the spirit of innovation.

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