V. Balaji

V. Balaji (born 1958) is an Indian violinist who performs Hindustani classical music. Presently he is a Professor of Music at Banaras Hindu University, eventually became Head 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 & Vocal, belonging to the fifth generation of a renowned family of musician. 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 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.

• Sangeet Natak Akademi Award UP,
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Award,
• Life time Achievement Award,
• I.S.C.L.O. Award,
• City Pushpa Award,
• Professional Excellency Award- Rotary Club,
• Amrita Mahotsava – Sanskar Bharti

• Kashi Kala Ratna,
• Kashi Ratna Alankarna,
• Sangeeta SriRatnam,
• Sangeeta Bhushanam,
• Sangeeta Vibhuti,
• Sangeeta Sudhakara,
• Navarasa Vachaspati,
• Sangeeta Ratna

• Kashi ki Sangeet- Parampara sangeet jagat ko Kashi ka yogdaan- Pt. Kameshwarnath Mishra,
• Bhartiya saangeetik jagat mein Varanasi ka yogdaan- Dr. Renu Johari,
• Pt. Omkarnath ji Thakur evam unki shishya Parampara- Dr. Lavanya Kirti Singh ‘Kavya’,
• Strings Magazine, U.S.A. - Mr.James Wimmer,
• Prof. Karen Schlimp – Vienna University, Austria,
• Henirik Anderson – Denmark,
• Krishna Tiwari – Switzerland.

•A Documentary Film on him & his Friend cum Disciple Gilles Apap Teaching Method of Indian Music as well as Western Music along with many more Eminent Artist of Our Country as well as Western Musician in French Language "Renegade Fiddler" – Apap masala Directed by Max Jourdan, Production : Ideal audience, 6 Rue de I agent Bally 75009 Paris year 2002.

•"Raga – Ranga" – Surabhi – National Telecast – T.V. Serial – Mumbai.

• "Swara Shringarawali" - 2010
• "Bhartiya Shastriya Sangeet Ki Do Dharaon Ka Ek Roopi Sanga"

• Comparative Playing (Violin) of North Indian Music & Carnatic Music – Kavi Alexender, Waterlily Acoustics.
• "Raga" – Cassettes – Violin Solo North Indian Style of Indian Music – California.
• Rereleased in CD of Raga Yaman 2010
• Raga Bhimpalasi (Dedicated to Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya Ji on the occasion of 150th Malviya Jayanti 2010)