Shri Venkateshkumar hails from Lakshmipura, a hamlet in the Bellary District. Born and brought up in a rural ambiance with ancestral folk tradition was strongly influenced by his father, a renowned folk artist. Impressed by his genuine dedication to music, Pandit Puttaraja Gawai tutored him in the Gurukula system and he has effectively inherited the Gwalior gharana with all its nuances. He has authored the text book of Music prescribed for the Examination conducted by the Govt. of Karnataka. At present Shri Venkateshkumar is serving as a faculty member at Music College, Dharwad University and teaches Music to degree classes.