Malayalam actor Bala has made headlines in recent weeks for fighting a court case and getting married for the fourth time. Released on conditional bail, the actor celebrated Diwali with his new wife Kokila and her mother on October 31. (Also read: Bala says that those who “don’t have daughters are jealous”, he was married 4 times: “They find fault with everything”)

Bala Diwali Thala

Bala shared a video filled with snapshots from his first Diwali with Kokila, writing, “On our thala diwali, I wish you all the happiest diwali.” Thala Diwali marks a couple’s first Diwali celebration after their marriage. While traditionally celebrated at the bride’s home, Bala chose to celebrate it at home with his mother.

In the video he shared, he can be seen posing for photos with Kokila and her mother. His mother also lovingly feeds him and his wife treats. And when Kokila tried to give her new mother-in-law treats, Bala signaled her not to give them to her, perhaps because of her diet.

Bala, Kokila’s wedding

Bala married Kokila, a Chennai-based relative, in a intimate ceremony on October 23. The wedding took place at Kaloor Pavakulam temple in Ernakulam. Kokila hails from Tamil Nadu and does not speak Malayalam. After the wedding, the actor spoke to the press and said he was “confident” about this marriage as Kokila is his relative.

While Bala has worked in many Malayalam, some Telugu and Tamil films, he was born into a family associated with the Tamil film industry. His grandfather, AK Velan, owned a production house and his father, Jayakumar, was a documentary photographer.

Recent controversy

Bala married the singer Amrutha Suresh in 2010, and they share a daughter named Avantika. After their divorce in 2019, he married a doctor named Elizabeth Udayan, but they separated in 2023. The actor was also reportedly married to someone named Chandana before that. Amrutha recently filed a complaint against Bala for allegedly harassing her and their daughter and defaming them on social media. He was arrested on October 14 and then released on bail.