Dr. V. Balaji | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1958 (age 66–67) Delhi, India |
| Genres | Hindustani classical music |
| Occupation | violinist |
| Instrument | violin |
V. Balaji (born 1958) is an Indian violinist who performs both Hindustani classical music and Carnatic music. He recently retired as a professor of violin at Banaras Hindu University. He was the head and the dean of the instrumental department.
Balaji started playing violin at age three. By the age of nine, he was a professional musician. Dr. V. Balaji is a well-known artiste of Violin, Viola & Vocal, belonging to the family of musicians. His training in Carnatic Music began when he was only five years old under the watchful supervision of his grandfather Late Shri V. N. Krishna Iyengar and his father Late Shri V. K. Venkata Ramanujam. In 1975 Balaji began to study Hindustani Music at Banaras Hindu University under the tutelage of Professor (Smt) N.Rajam and received his doctoral degree in 1986.
He has also worked at All India Radio from 1983 to 1993 (Varanasi – Lucknow). Dr. Balaji's technique and innovations reflect near perfection. With guidance of his father and guru Sri. V. K. Venkata Ramanujam and Dr. Smt. N. Rajam, he was trained in the Gayaki Ang (vocal style). V. Balaji has performed across the globe and in numerous places throughout India.
Balaji won the Merit Scholarship for Securing First in both Bachelor's and master's degree B.H.U.in eighties. He is also the recipient of the prestigious National Scholarship Award and the Senior Fellowship Award – Department of Culture – Government of India – New Delhi.