B. Shankar Rao (born 10 May 1922) is an Indian flautist who specializes in classical Carnatic music. After obtaining his initial music training from his sister Smt. Balaamba he got the opportunity to learn flute from the great flute maestro T. R. Mahalingam (known as Flute Mali). His music was also influenced from his interactions with Veena Rajarayaru and Anooru Suryanarayana. Over the years he has enthralled audience both in India and abroad with his characteristic style of flute techniques reminiscent of Mali. He currently runs an institution called 'Prapancha' aimed at educating and influencing the young minds about the flute and classical Carnatic music. Apart from teaching music and giving concerts, he is also involved in research collaboration with Divakars speciality hospital in Bangalore aimed at studying the influence of Carnatic music on human health. He has been bestowed with the title 'Venugana Visharada' by Dr A. N. Krishna Rao (known within the literary circles as Anakru) and was honoured with the coveted title of 'Sangeetha Kalarathna' by the Bangalore Gayana Samaja in 2002. In 2008 Govt. of Karnataka honoured him with the prestigious Rajyotsava Prashasti for his achievements and services in the field of Carnatic music.