Pandit M. Venkatesh Kumar is an Indian Hindustani classical vocalist. He is renowned for his husk, vibrant classical singing style, He is also popular in singing Dasara Padas & Devotional songs. He was born on 1 July 1953 in Bellary, Karnataka, India. Kumar learnt Hindustani vocal in the Gwalior and Kirana gharana styles under Gawai. Kumar blends these styles effortlessly in his presentations, though he admits to influences beyond these gharanas, chief among them being Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan of the Patiala gharana. His guru was also trained in Carnatic music, and as a result, there are traces of Carnatic elements – especially in his sargam patterns – in Pandit Kumar’s music. Pandit Kumar holds a teaching job at the University College of Music, Dharwad. This commitment regularly forces him turn down concerts, but he refuses to quit the job that offered him stability at a time when concerts were hard to come by. Every morning, the maestro can be seen on his journey from his home to the campus, a journey he still makes on his scooter. He also received a post graduate degree in music from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. He has authored the text book of Music prescribed for the Examination conducted by the Govt. of Karnataka. At present Sri Venkatesh Kumar is serving as a faculty member at Music College, Dharwad University and teaches Music to degree classes. In 2016, he received the Padma Shri award.