Summer vacation
Summer vacation was merry time for Bala’s disciples. A lover of floral decoration, Bala would get baskets of fresh jasmine from flower bazaar. After class, lunch consisting of chitrannam would be shared. Then Bala and her mother would sit to braid the girls’ long hair with flower. And if they wanted to sleep, they were asked to lie down without crushing the arrangement, a command that was happily obeyed.
Favourite sari shop
Bala’s favourite sari shop was Roshanlal on Mount Road.
Rehearsal routine
Bala followed a unique rehearsal routine before a performance. She would just discuss the five jatis as also the ‘arudi’ to be presented that evening with her Guru’s son K. Ganesan.
Rapport with musicians
Bala shared a great rapport with Shambhu Maharaj and his nephew Birju Maharaj and Pt. Ravi Shankar.
Lover of toys
Bala loved collecting toys. During her trips to various countries, she would buy toys as memorabilia. They occupired a pride of place in her house.
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Sivaji, an admirer
Bala and Sivaji Ganesan were mutual admirers. Whenever she performed at The Music Academy, a sofa was reserved for Sivaji and his wife in the front row. After a performance, Ganesan went to the green room and hugged Bala conveying his appreciation. And made the most interesting observation: “Bala both you and I have small eyes. But what expressions they are able to convey!” This was followed by a hearty laugh. Perhaps a movie that Bala watched in her later years was Sagara Sangamam . Both Kamal’s dance and acting impressed her and she said in class the next day: “You must see the film. That ‘Paiyyan’ is so good.”
