Honaji Bala

Honaji Bala
Native name	होनाजी बाळा
Born	1754
Died	1844
Nationality	Indian
Known for	Marathi Poetry

Honaji Bala (Devanagari: होनाजी बाळा)(1754–1844); was an iconic Marathi poet from Maharashtra, India. He was also Shahir who traditionally sing the songs. He was very famous for the GhanShyam Sundara song.

Honaji was born in the milkman family any they were supplying milk. He used to deliver the milk to Peshwe in the morning and sing various songs in the evening as a part of entertainment at the residence. His father, uncle and grand father were also shahir and used to sing.

Honaji contributed significantly for the development of this genre of music. He introduced tabla in place of the traditional dholki. He also developed the baithakichi Lavani, a subgenre, which is presented by the singer in the seated position.

The film Amar Bhoopali was released on him where the actor Panditrao Nagarkar played role of Shahir Honaji Bala along with Lalita Pawar and Sandhya. The film is an Indian film, produced and directed by V. Shantaram written by Vishram Bedekar. It is a true story about a simple cow herder who has an innate gift of poetry set in waning days of Maratha confederacy c. early 19th century. It is an ode to the saffron flag of Marathas, calling on people to rise again against the foreign enemy.

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