Malaysia has earned widespread recognition as a hub for rap music, its influence extending far beyond its borders. The country has become synonymous with the genre, with Malaysian artists consistently making significant contributions to the rap scene on both regional and international levels. Our exceptional Malaysian artists often take center stage, even in Kollywood songs, especially when it comes to rap sections. Among the plethora of extraordinary talents in Malaysia, one name stands out prominently – Balan Kash. Renowned as a rapper, performer, and entrepreneur, Balan Kash has been making waves in the industry for the past decade. His contributions span across various singles in Malaysia, whether in Tamil or English.
However, it was in 2016 that Balan Kash experienced a breakthrough moment in his career. Teaming up with the renowned Anirudh Ravichander, he collaborated on the track “Hola Amigo.” The song proved to be a massive success, garnering 2.3 million views on YouTube. Balan Kash showcased his skills as both a singer and lyricist, particularly in the rap segment. This collaboration not only brought him significant local recognition but also marked his entry onto the international stage. Building on this success, Balan Kash continued to expand his reach on the global platform with the release of “Start That Thiruvizha.” The track has since become an anthem, its infectious vibe resonating with audiences across borders. Even today, it remains a staple in party playlists, a testament to Balan Kash’s enduring impact on the music scene.
Continuing his legacy in Kollywood, Balan Kash made notable appearances in 2018. He lent his vocals to the movie “Mohini,” featuring Trisha, with music composed by Vivek-Mervin. Additionally, in the same year, he collaborated on the song “Vaada Vilaiyaadu” from the film “Vedigundu Pasange,” where he served as both singer and lyricist alongside Anthony Daasan. Currently, Balan Kash is actively engaged in the production of a Malay album titled “Cekap.” He recently unveiled a new song titled “Thambi Yaare Raja”, produced by Brotherhood Motorsports.
This initiative serves as a beacon of enlightenment for Indian society, shedding light on the courageous history of their ancestors and the enduring legacy they have left behind. By narrating the stories of these pioneers, the song and its accompanying video aim to inspire and motivate others to strive harder and uphold the rich heritage they inherit. The inclusion of narratives from entrepreneurs in the video serves to amplify this message, urging viewers to emulate their determination and dedication in pursuit of their goals. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength inherent within the community, encouraging each individual to contribute towards the preservation and advancement of this esteemed legacy.
Varnam Malaysia got close to Balan Kash to know more about the song the story behind the concept. He said,
“The concept of unity was weighing heavily on my mind. I feel like we’re all in this together, but sometimes we forget that. We need to be there for each other, lift each other up. That’s why I thought ‘Thambi Yaare Raja’ could be more than just a song. It could be a message to our society, a reminder that we’re stronger together.
Balan Kash aimed to convey a message highlighting our tendency to overlook the value of individuals in lower positions. People often judge others based on superficial factors like their attire or mode of transportation, contributing to an excessive sense of ego within the community. According to Balan Kash, there shouldn’t be a distinction between lower and higher standards of work; everyone plays a vital role in their respective tasks. He emphasizes that it’s our own perceptions that differentiate people, rather than any inherent hierarchy. Without the workers, there can be no CEO. It is the collective effort of the employees that drives the success of the company, ultimately leading to the success of the CEO. Should the employees’ efforts be lacking, the CEO will not achieve success. He underscores the importance of recognizing the contributions of everyday heroes, such as vendors, who diligently fulfill their roles to serve others. Ultimately, he intends to deliver a profound message to the society to appreciate and acknowledge individuals in humble positions for their valuable contributions.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I witnessed a troubling trend of fake leaders emerging within our community. It wasn’t just politicians; others were deceiving people under the guise of cryptocurrency and various other schemes. These individuals exploited the dire circumstances faced by many, making false promises and taking advantage of those in need. It became evident to me that the community needed to be vigilant and aware of such deceptive practices occurring around them. That’s precisely why I included a few lines about leaders in the second verse of my song.
Thalaivan ingu yaaru, thirumbi paaru ellam fraud-u
I wanted the society to delve deep within themselves and recognize that each of us possesses the essence of kings and queens, embodying our history, traditions, and all that defines us. My intention was to evoke the question of our origins, prompting individuals to reflect on their roots and heritage. This, in turn, serves as a reminder to hold our heads high and follow the path of righteousness and authenticity.
Speaking about the inclusion of entrepreneurs in the “Thambi Yaare Raja” music video, Balan Kash explained that initially, Brotherhood Motorsports and himself had planned to visit an orphanage to conduct cleaning, painting, and beautification activities. However, they reconsidered this idea, concerned that people might misconstrue it as a cost for watching the video. They recognized that charitable acts need not always be showcased publicly, as many individuals contribute to philanthropic causes without seeking recognition. Therefore, they opted to highlight businesses in the video that were thriving but did not excessively flaunt their success. These businesses were chosen to exemplify the notion that one can do well while maintaining humility.
He expressed, “We need more humble individuals in our nation to demonstrate that it’s not necessary to flaunt gold, drive expensive cars, or wear luxurious clothing to showcase one’s success. We’ve overlooked celebrating the everyday heroes who return home to care for their families and lead righteous lives. Instead, we tend to glorify only those who are popular on social media. That’s precisely why I opted to showcase these humble entrepreneurs in the music video.”
As an artist, what is your perspective on the current situation of the Malaysian Tamil cinema industry?
I strongly believe that we have the potential to do even better as a community. Despite the significant progress and success achieved by many individuals among us, there still persists a troubling lack of unity. We often find ourselves quick to blame politics for our shortcomings, yet hesitate to hold ourselves accountable. It’s disheartening to witness the ongoing struggle for basic necessities, such as university placements, and the desperate plea for support in promoting our local Tamil films. This highlights the challenging situation of our entertainment industry and underscores our lack of cohesion as a community. While we readily flock to international films, praising their quality, we fail to extend the same level of support to our Malaysian productions. It’s perplexing that local artists struggle to attain significant box office success. The primary platform where Malaysian artists receive significant recognition is at mega concerts, drawing crowds of thousands. However, when it comes to solo concerts by Malaysian artists, attendance often barely reaches 300 or 400 people. In such instances, rather than acknowledging our own role, we tend to attribute the low turnout to marketing or external factors. I don’t deny the existence of a support system, but I believe it falls short of what is truly needed.
Especially within the entertainment industry, Malaysian artists often struggle to receive the same level of support and recognition as international artists. While our homegrown talents may garner attention at clubs, birthday parties, and other functions, the question remains: are Malaysians equally willing to attend and show interest in their concerts as they do for international artists?
Take, for instance, Mugen Rao, a Malaysian Indian star who gained fame worldwide after his stint on Big Boss led to success in Kollywood, bringing pride to our nation. Despite having a substantial fan base in Malaysia, does he receive the same level of celebration as international stars? Often, we find ourselves gravitating towards popular international figures, overlooking the exceptional talents right here at home. It’s crucial to acknowledge that while supporting and celebrating international artists is justified given their deserving talent, we must not overlook the equally talented local artists. Many exceptional talents within our borders produce extraordinary work, waiting to be discovered if only we took the time to explore their creations.
I hope that movie distributors like Lotus Fivestar would consider re-releasing both successful and unsuccessful Malaysian Tamil films from the past. Films such as “Naan Oru Malaysian,” our very first Malaysian Tamil film, could be reintroduced to theaters, allowing today’s generation to experience the technology and storytelling of those earlier productions. Re-releasing these films would not only provide an opportunity for younger audiences to explore the cinematic heritage of our homegrown artists but also potentially provide financial support to the aging artists, technical crew, and producers involved in these projects. There are numerous other outstanding Malaysian movies that could also benefit from re-release. It would be truly remarkable if these films were given the chance to be rediscovered and appreciated once again.
Therefore, I wish for a balance between supporting international and local artists. Our local talents are just as deserving of appreciation and recognition, and with our continued support, they too can shine on a global stage. As a community, we have evolved significantly, and there’s ample opportunity for us to further enhance and uplift ourselves.
Balan Kash’s emphasis on supporting Malaysian artists reflects his deep love for the Malaysian entertainment industry and its talents. He understands the importance of community support for artists who pour their heart and soul into their creations. Indeed, every artist hopes for nothing more than the encouragement and applause of their community. This support acts as a powerful motivator, inspiring artists to push themselves further and excel in their craft.
His profound insights stem from his experience in the industry, demonstrating his visionary approach to fostering growth and collaboration within the entertainment sector. By championing the cause of supporting local artists, he envisions a future where the Malaysian entertainment industry thrives collectively, with artists flourishing in an environment of mutual support and encouragement.
Balan Kash is currently immersed in the production of a Malay album titled “Cendana,” comprising six songs. Notably, this project is supported by a government grant. After submitting his idea and pitch last year, Balan Kash received approval and the necessary funding for the album. Navin Navigator, renowned for his musical prowess, is tasked with composing the album’s music.
What makes this endeavor truly remarkable is that Balan Kash, a Malaysian Indian artist, is performing national language songs. This demonstrates his versatility and willingness to embrace diverse musical genres and languages, thereby expanding his artistic horizons. The album is scheduled for launch by August of this year, and anticipation is high within the music community. Balan Kash’s foray into Malay songs not only showcases his talent but also contributes to the cultural diversity and inclusivity of Malaysia’s music scene.
In conclusion, Balan Kash stands as a beacon of artistic integrity and cultural pride within the Malaysian entertainment industry. With a deep-rooted connection to his identity and heritage, he seamlessly weaves his cultural background into his music, delivering invaluable messages that resonate deeply with the Malaysian Indian community. His unwavering commitment to supporting local talent and fostering unity among diverse communities underscores his visionary approach to music. Balan Kash’s contributions to the industry not only showcase his talent but also serve as a profound example of the power of music in bridging cultural divides and celebrating diversity.
All the information and images received from Balan Kash
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