About
About the Artiste
Rajhesh Vaidhya
Rajhesh Vaidhya is a world-renowned veena artiste, composer, and performer known for
redefining the instrument’s voice in classical and contemporary formats for global audiences.
His technique is grounded in solid Carnatic music technique, combined with a strong focus on speed, precision, and clarity. His discography spans classical concerts, fusion collaborations
film scoring, television music, and large-scale digital content.
To me, innovation has to come from a deep understanding of tradition. Every performance, then, is a chance to connect, to explore, and to keep the veena alive in today’s world.
Roots
Born into a lineage of percussion legends, Rajhesh’s musical journey began under the guidance of his father, Sri K. M. Vaidyanathan, a revered Mridangam and Ghatam exponent. He was encouraged to take up the veena by his mother, and received key mentorship from the legendary veena virtuoso Chitti Babu, which shaped his Carnatic foundation and approach to the finer nuances of the instrument. He continues his musical exploration under the guidance of the renowned violinist Sri L. Shankar.
Reinvention
A contemporary icon of the Veena, he is widely credited with introducing amplification and electric strings to the Saraswati Veena, expanding its on-stage projection and sonic possibilities beyond its traditional acoustic range.
Through this pioneering approach, he has expanded the sound palette of the Veena, enabling it to engage with contemporary genres including fusion, rock, jazz, and world music.
Repertoire
With more than 50 albums released and title tracks composed for over 75 Tamil television serials,
Rajhesh Vaidhya’s discography reflects exceptional range across classical, fusion, and popular formats.
In the digital place, Rajhesh is known for the widely celebrated #DoYouHaveAMinuteSeries (DYHAMS),
a format of 60-second veena renditions that distilled the instrument’s visibility and complexity into
highly engaging micro-performances.
Reach & Resonance
Rajhesh has performed in more than 15 countries, including the USA, UK, Europe, South Africa, UAE, Singapore,
Malaysia, Australia, Japan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Mauritius, and Reunion Island. He has also contributed to the
“Playing for Change” album project, which brings together artists around the globe through collaborative recordings.
awards & RECOGNITIONS
Veenai Selvam
Tamil Nadu Government
Sangeetha Kala Bharathi
Bharath Kalachar
Sangeetha Chakravarthy
G. Ramanathan Award
Veenai Isai Chudar Oli
Tamil Trinity Festival
Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Peeta Aasthana Vidwan (2001)
Kalaimamani Award (2011)
Tamil Nadu Government
Member of Board of Governers
Record-Breaking Accomplishments
Asia Book of Records (2023)
Performing 60 songs in 60 minutes —
a remarkable display of technical mastery, musical memory, and stamina.