Gana Bala is an Indian playback singer, lyricist, and actor, who is known for predominantly singing in the Tamil film industry. In 2023, he participated in the Tamil version of the reality TV show ‘Bigg Boss’ season 7, which aired on Star Vijay and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.
Contents
Wiki/Biography
Gana Bala was born as M. Bala Murugan [1]last.fm on Sunday, 20 June 1971 (age 52 years; as of 2023) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. His zodiac sign is Gemini. He studied Botany at the Presidency College in Chennai. [2]The Hindu Later, he earned a Master of Botany degree. He also holds a law degree. [3]The Hindu
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 6″
Hair Colour: Black
Eye Colour: Black
Family
Parents & Siblings
His father’s name is V. S. Mani, and his mother’s name is M. Punniyam.
Wife & Children
His wife’s name is B. Nathiya. The couple has two children, a girl and a boy named Abimanyu.
Gana Bala with his wife and children
Career
Singer
Film
In 2007, he made his singing debut with the song ‘Pathinoru Peru Aattam’ from the Tamil film ‘Piragu.’
Poster of the 2007 Tamil film ‘Piragu’
In 2012, he gained recognition after he sang the songs ‘Aadi Pona Aavani’ and ‘Nadukadalula Kappala’ from the Tamil film ‘Attakathi.’ He has worked with many top music composers such as Yuvan Shankar Raja, G. V. Prakash Kumar, and Srikanth Deva. He has lent his voice to many hit Tamil songs including ‘Lovely Ladies’ from the Tamil film ‘Naan Sigappu Manithan’ (2014), ‘Ulagam Oruvanukka’ from the Rajinikanth starrer film ‘Kabali’ (2016), and ‘Kadamaiyai Sei’ from the 2022 Tamil film ‘Kadamaiyai Sei.’
Television
In 2008, he appeared as a contestant on Kalaignar TV’s reality singing show ‘Gana Kuyil Pattu’ and won the show.
He lent his voice to the song ‘Uruvaakum Karuvil’ from Sun TV’s Tamil family show ‘Vamsam’ aired in 2013. In 2016, he sang the song ‘Darling Da Da’ from Zee Tamil’s comedy TV show ‘Darling Darling.’
Album
In 2011, he released his music album titled ‘Vaanavil.’
Lyricist
Apart from singing, he has also worked as a lyricist in many Tamil films. In 2012, he debuted as a lyricist with the song ‘Nadukadalula Kappala’ from the Tamil film ‘Attakathi.’ He has written the lyrics of many Tamil songs including ‘Edhathaan Kanduttey Nee Pudhusa’ (2013), ‘Scenu Scenu’ (2014), ‘Santhayila Bajarula’ (2014), and ‘Partha Oru Lookla’ (2015).
Actor
Film
In 2007, he made his acting debut as a mechanic in the Tamil crime drama film ‘Piragu;’ he appeared in a minor role in the film. He has made special appearances in music videos of many Tamil songs including ‘Sokkathaan Aadu’ (2014), ‘Ambaani Ponnu’ (2015), ‘Atta Kathi Mokka Peesu’ (2015), and ‘Manasu Sari Illai’ (2016).
Television
In 2023, he appeared as one of the five wildcard contestants in Star Vijay’s Tamil reality TV show ‘Bigg Boss’ season 7.
Gana Bala in a still from the Tamil reality TV show ‘Bigg Boss’ season 7
Lawyer
Before working in the Tamil entertainment industry, he worked as a lawyer at Madras High Court.
Awards
In 2013, he won the Best Playback Singer (Male) Award for the songs ‘Aadi Pona Aavani’ and ‘Nadukadalula Kappala’ from the Tamil film ‘Attakathi’ at the Vikatan Awards 2012.
Facts/Trivia
- Gana Bala is also referred to as ‘Anathai Bala’ and ‘Gana Kuyil King’ Bala.
- In an interview, he revealed that had he not become a singer, he would be a politician. He contested the local municipal elections for two times as an independent candidate; however, he lost both times by narrow margins. [4]The Hindu
- In 2017, he announced that he would stop singing in films. In an interview, while talking about the reason why he called it quits, he said,
I turned 48 this month, and I took a birthday resolution to stop singing in films by the end of this year. I was lucky enough to get noticed by a composer. It gave me a big break and there has been no looking back since. But now, it’s time to pass the chance on to others who deserve it. If I don’t sing in 100 songs, that means the opportunity will go to 100 others, right? I used to write most of my songs. But I don’t do it anymore because many expect me to write songs in gibberish, just because it is catchy, and it doesn’t make sense to me. That’s why I gave it some time. I will complete all my recordings within this year. I will also continue singing for charitable and welfare causes.” [6]Deccan Chronicle
