S. Ballesh

PanditS. Ballesh Bhajantri (born Ballappa Sanna Bharamappa Bhajantri) is a popular Indian classical Hindustanishehnai player. He is a disciple of shehnai player UstadBismillah Khan, he is benares gharana shehnai player and a patiala gharanaHindustani vocalist, ghazal singer, Indian playback singer and musician, Ballesh is credited with popularizing the shehnai, a reededwoodwind 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.