S. Ballesh Biography 
Pandit S. Ballesh, also known as ‘South Indian Shehnai Chakravarthy’ - is an accomplished Shehnai player and a Hindustani vocalist, belonging to Patiala gharana. He is also a reputed ghazal singer. Ballesh was trained under the renowned shehnai maestro, Ustad Bismillah Khan and one of his favourite disciples. Apart from classical music concerts, fusion music and jughalbandis, he has also worked with Indian films. His full name is Ballappa Sanna Bharamappa Bhajantri. He is a member of the Panchakshara Gavai brotherhood. He is an All India Radio A-Grade artist; a gold medalist and winner of several honours in India and abroad.
Ballappa Sanna Bharamappa Bhajantri, shortly called S. Ballesh was born on April 1, 1958 in M. K. Hubli of Belgaum district, Karnataka. He was called Dakshin Bharat Bismillah Khan by none other than his Guru, Ustad Bismillah Khan Saheb who taught him the essence of Shehnai. Apart from several live concerts across India and abroad, he has also closely worked with several Bollywood and south Indian film projects. He associated with film music composer Ilaiyaraaja in a touring orchestra and performed in Toronto, Canada in 2013.
His son B. Krishna is also an accomplished shehnai player. They together have performed many concerts since 2006. In 2006 they played a musical tribute to Krishna Hangal at the Sawai Gandharva Hall in Hubli. Known for filmy and fusion music also, he has worked with renowned music director A. R. Rahman for several movies. He played Shehnai for Rahman’s compositions for Raanjhanaa and Rock star. In 2012, he was honoured by Dr. M.G.R. University on the eve of 150th anniversary of Tagore.
Published: N/A
Updated: December 26, 2015
