David Bala

For the Brazilian footballer, see David Bala (footballer).
David Bala
Born1947
Died29 August 2014(2014-08-29) (aged 67)
Singapore
Resting placeMandai Crematorium
Occupation(s)Actor, comedian
Years active1979–2013
LabelMediacorp (1979 - 2013)
Children4

David Bala was a Singaporean security guard, former comedian and actor. He was best known for his roles in Tetangga, Just Follow Law, Ah Long Pte Ltd, "Filial Party" and The Ghosts Must Be Crazy.[1]

Career

Bala was first introduced to acting by a friend and started his career as a stage actor in 1976 and made his broadcast debut in 1979 on Radio Television Singapore's "Kaatchiyum Kaanamum", a radio drama production. In 1980, he made his television debut where he was cast as the lead actor in a comedy drama series, "Ippadiyum Oru Kudumbam".[2]

Due to the success of the series, Bala was known by many as "Comedy King" and in 2007, he was cast as one of the actors in Jack Neo's film, Just Follow Law.[3] In the same year David was also given a lead role on Mediacorp Suria's Tetangga and in 2008, he was cast in Ah Long Pte Ltd.[4]

In 2011, Bala was cast in The Ghosts Must Be Crazy.[5] This is arguably one of Bala's best-known roles, as a catchphrase of his character in the film became a meme.[4]

Personal life

Other than acting, Bala was working as a security officer at Republic Polytechnic since January 2014.

Death

Bala died on August 29, 2014, due to heart disease and is survived by his wife and 4 children. His remains were placed in the niche at Mandai Columbarium & Crematorium. [1][3]

Filmography

Movies

Year Title Role Notes Ref
2007 Just Follow Law Muthu
2008 Ah Long Pte Ltd -
2009 Where Got Ghost? 1WO Muthu
2011 The Ghosts Must Be Crazy Muthu
2013 Everybody's Business -
2014 Filial Party Indian neighbour

TV series

Year Title Role Network Notes
1979 Ippadiyum Oru Kudumbam - RTS Channel 8 (Tamil section) (now Mediacorp Vasantham)
2007 Tetangga Govind Mediacorp Suria
2007 World Of Laughs 搞笑至尊 Muthu Mediacorp Channel 8

Awards

Year Award Category Result
1980 Singapore Indian Artistes’ Association Kalaichemmal (Arts Medallion) Award Won
2009 Pradhana Vizha Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award Won [6]

References

  1. ^ a b "Local comedian David Bala passes away at age 67". Yahoo Singapore. August 29, 2014. Retrieved 29 August 2014.
  2. ^ "Comedy King David Bala passes away". Today Online. 29 August 2014. Retrieved 29 August 2014.
  3. ^ a b "Life and Times of Muthu". Filmophil. 27 January 2014. Retrieved 29 August 2014.
  4. ^ a b "Singaporeans' favourite 'Encik' David Bala dies". Asia One. August 29, 2014. Archived from the original on 30 August 2014. Retrieved 29 August 2014.
  5. ^ "Singapore veteran actor David Bala dies". inSing. August 29, 2014. Archived from the original on 1 September 2014. Retrieved 29 August 2014.
  6. ^ "Pradhana Vizha Hall of Fame". Vasantham. Archived from the original on 28 July 2014. Retrieved 29 August 2014.