Gana Bala is a noted playback singer and lyricist belonging to Tamil film industry, best known for singing gaana (Madras Bashai dialect of Chennai) genre of Tamil Nadu. He recorded two chartbuster hits for 2012 film, Attakathi after which he rose to prominence – ‘Aadi Pona Aavani’ and ‘Nadukadalula Kappala’. His unique voice and style of singing revived the gaana genre in Tamil cinema. He was a contestant in Bigg Boss Tamil 7 in 2023.
Gana Bala – An advocate at Madras High Court
Bala Murugan, better known by his stage name Gana Bala, was born on 20 June 1969 in Swamimalai, a suburb near Kumbakonam in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. He first got attracted to Gaana, singing in Madras Bashai dialect, when he was in high school. While studying Botany at Presidency College, Chennai, he gained more confidence as a singer. A lesser-known fact to many, Gana Bala is also an advocate at the Madras High Court.
Gana Bala started his singing career through stage shows
Gana Bala came into limelight for the first time when he won the TV reality show Gana Kuyil Pattu aired on Kalaignar TV. He also performed live on stage shows and released a few devotional albums. Bala got his first opportunity as a playback singer through Piragu (2007) composed by Srikanth Deva. He also appeared in a minor role as a mechanic in the film. Yet it took a few more years to get the real break he was waiting for.
A couple of songs which he sang for 2012 film, Attakathi literally revived gaana genre in Tamil cinema. The movie was directed by Pa. Ranjith, and the songs were composed by newcomer Santhosh Narayanan. Nadukadalula Kappala was composed by Gana Bala himself, who penned its lyrics too. “Aadi Pona Aavani” song sung by him was written by Kabilan.
The songs helped him to bag best playback singer award at Vikatan Awards 2012, apart from a few nominations. The song “Kaasu Panam” (along with Anthony Daasan) from Soodhu Kavvum by the same composer was also a huge hit. After the huge success of Attakathi, Gana Bala started getting more offers from Tamil cinema, mostly for singing Gaana. A high-energy folk-influenced Tamil music genre, Bala popularized almost extinct, gaana among youngsters.
He worked with top composers of the time
Gana Bala got opportunity to work with new-generation composers like Harris Jayaraj, Srikanth Deva, Yuvan Shankar Raja and G. V. Prakash Kumar. He also did a jingle with composer G. V. Prakash Kumar to mark the 10th anniversary celebrations of Radio Mirchi Chennai. Apart from singing and penning lyrics, Gana Bala also does brief roles in films. His dance number in ‘Attakathi’ Dinesh’s Vaaraayo Vennilaave became popular. Along with it, he occasionally appears in song sequences, sung by him. He also released a few singles.
Bala identifies himself as an Ambedkarite, and has unsuccessfully contested local municipal elections twice as an independent candidate. Alongside his profession as a singer, he also practises law. He is involved in community activities and a social worker too.
Authentic voice of gaana
Gana’s distinct voice, authentic gaana style, and contribution to bringing folk-rooted gaana music into mainstream Tamil film soundtracks make him an extraordinary artist through all means. He rendered his voice for around 50 film songs, apart from independent music.
His hit song list
His songs are included in films of almost all popular heroes of present times.Bala’s best-known works include – En Veetula (from Idharkuthaane Aasaipattai Balakumara), Hey Baby (from Raja Rani), Adhaaru Adhaaru (from Yennai Arindhaal), Aathangara Orathil (single/featured), Open the Tasmac (from Maan Karate), etc.
His songs – “Kakidha Kappal” (Madras), and “Maadila Nikkura Maankutty” (Vada Chennai), showcased his distinctive voice in modern Tamil cinema.
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