Srimushnam V. Raja Rao was born in Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu and received his initial training in Mridangam from his father Sri S. Venkataramana Rao. He has trained under some of the most eminent teachers of his time and has performed extensively both in India and abroad, accompanying a number of outstanding Carnatic and Hindustani vocalists. Besides Mridangam, he also plays the Kanjira and Morsing. He has won a number of awards and honors including the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi award.