Pandit M. Venkatesh Kumar was born on 1 July 1953 in Lakshmipura in the Bellary region of northern Karnataka, now in Rayadurg taluk in Ananthapura district in Andhra Pradesh. He is a Hindustani vocalist. He is popular for his rendition of devotional songs composed by the Haridasas. Kumar got his first break in 1993, 14 years after he left the ashram. He received a telegram-invitation from Bhimsen Joshi to perform at the Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav in Pune that year. But, he had to wait for almost another ten years before he became a regular on the national festival circuit. Since then he has featured in many national musical programs and has been an "A" grade artist of All India Radio since 1988. In devotional music, Kumar is most acclaimed for his Kannada vachana and Dasara pada singing. He also has many devotional and classical CD albums to his credit. As a teacher, Venkatesh Kumar started his teaching career in Vijay Mahantesh Arts College near Gadag for one and half years. He had also taught in Mukunda Kripa in Udupi. He received a post-graduate degree in music from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. He received Padma Shri Award by the Government of India. He received Karnataka Rajyotsava Award. He also received Karnataka Sangeet Natya Academy Award, Vatsala Bhimsen Joshi Award, Krishna Hangal Award, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
Speciality: Vocal