Bala Murugan, better known by his stage name Gana Bala is an Indian playback singer in Tamil cinema. He rose to prominence after rendering the songs 'Aadi Pona Aavani' and 'Nadukadalula Kappala' from the soundtrack of Attakathi. He has predominantly sung songs belonging to the gaana genre of Tamil Nadu. He has been credited for reviving the gaana genre in Tamil Cinema after 'Thenisai Thendral' Deva. He has also penned lyrics for some of his songs.
Career Bala first tripped on 'Gaana' when he was in high school. He gained confidence as a Gaana singer when he joined Presidency College, Chennai to study Botany. He later contested in the TV reality show Gana Kuyil Pattu that featured on Kalaignar TV and won it. He has worked on a number of devotional albums and also performed on stage. One of his independent albums, Vaanavil was released by composers Deva and Dhina. He made his debut in the film industry with Piragu composed by Srikanth Deva, son of the 'Father of Gaana Genre' – Deva. He first found success for his songs 'Aadi Pona Aavani' and 'Nadukadalula' in the sleeper hit Attakathi. Since then he has sung a number of successful songs under top composers like Yuvan Shankar Raja and G. V. Prakash Kumar.
He has also sung a jingle with composer G. V. Prakash Kumar to mark the 10th anniversary celebrations of Radio Mirchi Chennai.
Other works
Film work Apart from singing, Bala has also featured in some of his songs. He has also appeared in a minor role as a mechanic in his debut film Piragu. He has danced for a song in 'Attakathi' Dinesh's second movie as hero, Vaaraayo Vennilaave. At the audio launch of Vikraman's Ninaithathu Yaaro, Bala expressed interest in acting and his desire to become a hero. He will soon turn hero in a film to be directed by K. Selva Bharathy titled Parry's Corner. The film is said to ponder over the fact that while migrants to Chennai hit it big, Chennai-ties still live mediocre lives. Bala will be playing a cycle rickshaw driver.
Philanthropy Bala is a law graduate and works as an advocate. He has contested local municipal elections twice as an independent candidate, losing only by slender margins. Bala, who identifies himself as an Ambedkarite, says,
Filmography
As playback singer Films Year Song(s) Film Composer Co-singer(s) Notes 2007 "Pathinoru Peru Aattam" "Unnaipola Pennai" Piragu Srikanth Deva Solo Srikanth Deva, Srilekha Parthasarathy Credited as Anathai Bala 2008 "Phona Pottu" Thodakkam Jeyrom Pushparaj Credited as Anathai Bala 2008 "Chikku Bukku Rayilu" Vedha Srikanth Deva Credited as Anathai Bala 2012 "Aadi Pona Aavani" "Nadukadalula Kappala" Attakathi Santhosh Narayanan Also composed 'Nadukadalula Kappala' 2012 "Nenaikuthey" Pizza Santhosh Narayanan 2013 "Duet Song" "Pottiyunnu Vanthuputta" Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya S. Thaman Muralidhar, Rahul Nambiar, Ranjith Solo 2013 "Thannai Thaane" Paradesi G. V. Prakash Kumar 2013 "Edhathaan Kanduttey Nee Pudhusa" Settai S. Thaman 2013 "Mannadacha Pandhu" "Oru Grammam" Gouravam S. Thaman 2013 "Ora Kannala" Udhayam NH4 G. V. Prakash Kumar 2013 "Kaasu Panam" Soodhu Kavvum Santhosh Narayanan Anthony Daasan 2013 "Poosani Kaai" Pattathu Yaanai S. Thaman 2013 "Ayyo Ramare" Pusthakamlo Konni Pageelu Missing Gunwanth Sen Telugu film 2013 "Sandhegam" Arya Surya Srikanth Deva 2013 "Hey Baby" Raja Rani G. V. Prakash Kumar G. V. Prakash Kumar, Aishwarya 2013 "En Veetula" Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara Siddharth Vipin 2013 "Pa Pa" Pizza II: Villa Santhosh Narayanan Rap by Vineet Mani 2013 "Vaazhka Oru" Naveena Saraswathi Sabatham Prem Kumar 2013 "Odi Odi" 3D Thaedi Pidi Adi Karthik Harsha 2013 "Run For Your life" Biriyani Yuvan Shankar Raja ft. PSYCHO.unit 2013 "Sethu Po" Vizha James Vasanthan Sunandhan, Theodore 2014 "Nee Quarter Nan Water" Be Right Back Princeten Charles 2014 "Aaru Adi Veedu" "All Your Beauty" Goli Soda S. N. Arunagiri 2014 "Don't Worry Be Happy" Nimirndhu Nil G. V. Prakash Kumar S. Selva 2014 "Enda Mapla" Cuckoo Santhosh Narayanan Sathish, Dhee 2014 "Vaazhkai Thaan" Marumunai Sathya Dev 2014 "Bachelor Enakke" Oru Kanniyum Moonu Kalavaanikalum Natarajan Sankaran Rap by Premgi Amaren 2014 "Lovely Ladies" Naan Sigappu Manithan G. V. Prakash Kumar Vijay Prakash, Megha, Aryan Dinesh, G. V. Prakash Kumar 2014 "Oru Ponnu" Pongadi Neengalum Unga Kadhalum Kannan M. A. Ramakrishnan 2014 "Adaikalam" Yaamirukka Bayamey SN Prasad El Fe Choir 2014 "Chinnadaaga Morachiputta" Adhu Vera Idhu Vera Taj Noor 2014 "Kelunganne Kelunga" Vadacurry Vivek Siva Mervin Solomon 2014 "Kokkara Kozhi" Saivam G. V. Prakash Kumar Chinnaponnu, Ashwitha, Harish, Aishwarya 2014 "Elarai" Aindhaam Thalaimurai Sidha Vaidhiya Sigamani Simon Yabama JO 2014 "Nokia Ponnu Samsung Paiyan" Kadhalai Thavira Verondrum Illai Srikanth Deva Simrutha 2014 "Porappu Erappu" Poriyaalan M.S. Jones 2014 "Kaakidha Kappal" "Irandhidava" Madras Santhosh Narayanan Sean Roldan, Tholkappiyan, Santhosh Narayanan Solo 2014 "Athangarai Orathile" Yaan Harris Jayaraj Emcee Vickey (rap) 2014 "Johny Johny" Vennila Veedu Dhanraj Manickam Dhanraj Manickam 2014 Royapuram-13 Dheen Dayal Short film 2014 "Ayya Padichavare" Jaihind 2 Arjun Janya Rajesh Krishnan 2014 "En Karunchingamaai" Appuchi Gramam Vishal Chandrasekar Vishnu Muralee 2014 "Vaada Poda" Murugaatrupadai Ganesh Raghavendra 2014 "Doggy Style" Naaigal Jaakirathai Dharan Kumar 2014 "Kannaadithanda" Aaaah 2014 "Gumthalakka" Gugan Guru Kalyan Sri Nisha 2014 "20-20" Cricket Scandal Deepan 2014 "Venaam Mappilla" Velmurugan Borewells Srikanth Deva Naveen Madhav 2014 "Enna Solla" Saravana Poigai D. Vijay 2014 "Jinji Nakka" Nee Yen Uyire Vijay Manthra 2014 "Santhayila Bajarula" Saravanan Engira Surya Dhanraj Manickam 2014 "Ponnuga Buththi" Win U. K. Murali 2014 "Kadhalikka" Rettai Kathir Deva Kumar 2014 "Thamizh Nattin" Thiraipada Nagaram Nithin Karthik 2014 "Ambaani Ponnu" Vaaraayo Vennilaave Karthik Raja 2014 "Yenda" Ula Saajan Madhav Naveen Madhav, Dwayne Bravo 2014 "Nadukadulula" Vaaliba Raja Radhan Radhan 2014 "Atta Kathi Mokka Peesu" Mozhivathu Yathenil Nithyan Karthik 2014 "Adhaaru Udhaaru" Yennai Arindhaal... Harris Jayaraj Vijay Prakash 2014 "Jallikattu Kaalai" Manam Nilluna Nikkadhadi R.G. Allen 2014 "Kastathae Yaaru Kitta" Maalumi Baskar 2014 "Friend Nambuda","God God" Rombha Nallavan Da Nee Ram Surender 2014 Love Pannunga Life Nallarukkum 2014 "Aashe Paddadu" Superstar Kidnap Sai Karthik Telugu film 2014 "Kaal Mulacha Beer" Mei Marandhen K. R. Kawin K. R. Kawin 2014 "Devadas" Ravi Arziyaan (Ksmusic) Saint and Ramnath (Malaysia) 2014 "Vandha Malai" Darling G. V. Prakash Kumar Karunas, Arunraja Kamaraj 2014 '"Currency Raja" Currency RajaChinni Charan Tamil dubbed version of Vasool Raja 2015 "Vandha Kada" Vai Raja Vai Yuvan Shankar Raja 2015 "Sonu papadi" Soan Papdi Dhanraj Manickam Sivani 2015 "Paatha Oru Lookula" Inimey Ippadithaan Santhosh Kumar Dayanidhi 2015 "Dakalti" Trisha Illana Nayanthara G. V. Prakash Kumar 2015"Chinna Vayasula"Charles Shafiq KarthigaSidhartha Mohan 2016 "Ulagam Oruvanukka","Veera Thurandhara" Kabali Santhosh Narayanan 2016 "Rotora Padhayile" Ammani K 2016 "Naan Kaaylankada" Azhahendra Sollukku Amudha Rajin Mahadev 2016 "Wish You A Happy New Year" Bayam Oru Payanam Y. R. Prasad 2018 "Kaattu Vaasi" Kilambitangayya Kilambitangayya Sreekanth 2018"Maadila Nikkura Maankutty"Vada ChennaiSanthosh NarayananDhee 2018 "Kurukupettai" VaanduA R Neshan 2018 "Kudure Kudure" Aadi Purana Vikram Vasisht, Chandana Vasisht Kannada film2019 "Paathikapatta Nenjamellam" Butler Balu Ganesh Raghavendra 2021 "What A Life" Trip Siddhu Kumar 2021 "Aao Ji Aao" Oh Manapenne Vishal Chandrashekhar 2022"Kadamaiyai Sei"Kadamaiyai SeiArunraj 2022"Suthura Boomi"Varalaru MukkiyamShaan Rahman Lyrics by Santhosh Rajan 2024"Dangerunga Danger"VaagaiSree Sai Dev 2026"Happy Lucky Day Chellam"Lucky the Superstar Hesham Abdul Wahab Lyrics by Arunraja Kamaraj2026"Jilpanso"Youth G.V. Prakash Kumar Ken Karunas, Eshwar Lyrics by Ken Karunas, Eshwar The films are listed in order that the film released, regardless of the dates the music released. Television Year Song(s) Serials Composer Co-singer(s) Channels2013"Uruvaakum Karuvil"Vamsam Sun TV2016 "Darling Da Da"Darling DarlingVishal Chandrasekhar Zee Tamil
As lyricist Year Song(s) Film Composer 2012 "Nadukadalula Kappala" Attakathi Santhosh Narayanan2013 "Love Letter" "Pottiyunnu Vanthuputta" Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya S. Thaman2013 "Edhathaan Kanduttey Nee Pudhusa" Settai S. Thaman2013 "Ora Kannala" Udhayam NH4 G. V. Prakash Kumar2013 "Kaasu Panam" Soodhu Kavvum Santhosh Narayanan2013 "Sandhegam" Arya Surya Srikanth Deva2013 "Hey Baby" Raja Rani G. V. Prakash Kumar2013 "Vaazhka Oru" Naveena Saraswathi Sabatham Prem Kumar2014 "Sokkathaan Aadu" Kalavaram F. S. Faizal2014 "Aaru Adi Veedu" "All Your Beauty" Goli Soda S. N. Arunagiri2014 "Don't Worry Be Happy" Nimirndhu Nil G. V. Prakash Kumar 2014 "Enda Mapla" Cuckoo Santhosh Narayanan2014 "Vaazhkai Thaan" Marumunai Sathya Dev2014 "Open the Tasmac" Maan Karate Anirudh Ravichander2014 "Bachelor Enakke" Oru Kanniyum Moonu Kalavaanikalum Natarajan Sankaran2014 "Avalai Nambithan" Salim Vijay Antony2014 "Porappu Erappu" Poriyaalan M.S. Jones2014 "Scenu Scenu" Sigaram Thodu D. Imman2014 "Kaakidha Kappal" "Irandhidava" Madras Santhosh Narayanan2014 "Nadukadulula" Vaaliba Raja Radhan2014 "20-20" Cricket Scandal Deepan2014 "Jinji Nakka" Nee Yen Uyire Vijay Manthra2014 "Santhayila Bajarula" Saravanan Engira Surya Dhanraj Manickam2014 "Jallikattu Kaalai" Manam Nilluna Nikkadhadi R.G. Allen2014 Velachery Taj Noor2014 Kadavan Srikanth Deva2014 Yevan A.K. Sasidharan2014 Aaaah 2014 Love Pannunga Life Nallarukkum 2015 "Vandha Kadha" Vai Raja Vai Yuvan Shankar Raja2015 "Partha Oru Lookla" Inimey Ippadithan Santhosh Dhayanidhi
As actor Year Film Role Notes 2007 Piragu Mechanic 2021 Sarpatta Parambarai Uncredited Role
As singer (music video) Note: this is a list of films that Gana Bala only appeared as a singer/dancer in the song's official music video. Year Film SongNotes 2008 Vedha "Chikku Bukku"2013 Udhayam NH4 "Ora Kannala" Soodhu Kavvum "Kasu Panam" Raja Rani "Hey Baby"2014 Kalavaram "Sokkathaan Aadu" Nimirndhu Nil "Don't Worry Be Happy" Marumunai "Vaazhkai Thaan" Oru Kanniyum Moonu Kalavaanikalum "Bachelor Enakke" (promo song) Aindhaam Thalaimurai Sidha Vaidhiya Sigamani "The Elarai" Kaadhal 2014 "Oh Jinglee" Kadhalai Thavira Verondrum Illai "Nokia Ponnu Samsung Paiyan" Madras "Irandhidava" Jaihind 2 "Ayya Padichavare""Ayya Chandruda"Telugu songAbhimanyu"Kathala Manayolage"Kannada song Aaaah "Kannaadithanda"2015 Rombha Nallavan Da Nee "God God" Vaaraayo Vennilaave "Ambaani Ponnu" Mozhivathu Yathenil "Atta Kathi Mokka Peesu"2016 Nanaiyatha Mazhaiye "Manasu Sari Illai" Andaman "Kaalai Maalai" 2019 Butler Balu "Paathikapatta Nenjamellam"2023 Yevan 2024Vaagai "Dangerunga Danger"
Television Appearance Year Programme / Show Role Channel Language Notes2023 Bigg Boss Tamil 7 ContestantVijay TVTamilWildcard (Entered Day 28)Evicted Day 49
Awards Kalaimamani Honour by Tamil Nadu Government
2015 - Contribution to Playback singing
Year Film Award Ceremony Category Song(s) Result2013 Attakathi Vikatan Awards 2012 Best Playback Singer (Male) Nadukadalula Kappala Aadi Pona Aavani 7th Annual Vijay Awards Best Male Playback Singer Best Lyricist Nadukadalula Kappala Chennai Times Film Awards 2012 Best Singer (Male) Nadukadalula Kappala
References
External links