Junior Balaiah (1953-2023) was a well-known Indian actor in Tamil films, mainly recognized as the son of actor T. S. Balaiah. Throughout his four-decade career, he predominantly played supporting roles and also did comic and villain roles in Tamil films. He passed away on 2 November 2023, due to a heart attack at his home in Chennai.
Wiki/Biography
Junior Balaiah was born as Raghu Balaiah on Sunday, 28 June 1953 (age 70; at the time of death) in Sundankottai, Tamil Nadu. His zodiac sign is Cancer.
Physical Appearance
Hair Colour: Salt and Pepper
Eye Colour: Black
Family & Caste
Balaiah belongs to the Nadar community.
Parents & Siblings
Balaiah’s father’s name is T. S. Balaiah, who was a popular actor. In 1972, Balaiah’s father passed away just three days before his debut film was due to be released. The movie, “Suttaan Sutten,” directed by M. R. Radha, had Balaiah playing the role of Radha’s son. Balaiah’s father was also part of the film, but when he passed away, they had to stop filming.
Junior Balaiah’s father
His mother’s name is Mallika. He has two brothers Ganesh Balaya, who is a singer and Saibaba, who is a playback singer. He has a sister named Manochithra, who is an actor.
Junior Balaiah’s sister
Wife & Children
Balaiah was married to Suzanna and later to Sethu Parvathy. He has a son named Rohit and a daughter named Niveditha.
Religion
Balaiah started following Evangelism in 2010 and then shifted to Christianity.
Career
Film
He made his acting debut with the Tamil film Melnaattu Marumagal in 1975.
Poster of the film Melnaattu Marumagal (1975)
Among his well-known movies are “Karagattakaran” (1989), “Sundara Kandam” (1992), “Cheran Chozhan Pandian” (1998), “Aindhaam Thalaimurai Sidha Vaidhiya Sigamani” (2014), and “Nerkonda Parvai” (2019). “Nerkonda Parvai” is a Tamil version of the Bollywood movie “Pink” (2016).
Poster of the film Nerkonda Parvai (2019)
Television
He appeared in the television show Chithi in 2000 as James on Sun TV making his debut on television. In addition to films, Balaiah also appeared in TV programs like “Vazhkai” (2000-2001) as Prabhakar’s father and “Chinna Papa Periya Papa” (2014) Season 1 as Masanam.
Poster of the television show Chinna Papa Periya Papa
OTT
In 2020, he made his OTT debut with the web series Mugilan on ZEE 5.
Poster of the web series ‘Mugilan’ (2020)
Death
On 2 November 2023, Balaiah died at his home in Chennai due to a heart attack, and he also experienced asphyxiation.
Facts/Trivia
- Balaiah’s last film was Yennanga Sir Unga Sattam in 2021.
Junior Balaiah in the film Yennanga Sir Unga Sattam
- Despite appearing in numerous films, he couldn’t achieve the same level of success as his father.
- He borrowed money from the bank, which led to his financial crisis. He then started following Christianity and established a place for healing called Healing Stripes Ministry.
- In 2014, Balaiah revealed his intention to establish a film production company to provide his son an opportunity to pursue an acting career.
- Balaiah took part in the activities of the Nadigar Sangam (South Indian Artistes Association).