Tamil actor Junior Balaiah passes away at 70 due to suffocation

On a sombre note, the Tamil film industry bids farewell to one of its veteran actors, Junior Balaiah, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 70. Known for his memorable roles in films like "Karakattakaran," "Gopura Vasalile," and "Sundarakandam," Junior Balaiah's demise has left a void in the hearts of many.

Junior Balaiah made rare appearances in Tamil cinema during the 2010s but garnered acclaim for his portrayal of a headmaster in the film "Saattai" (2012). His acting skills and on-screen presence left a lasting impact on audiences.

The news of Junior Balaiah's passing due to asphyxiation sent shockwaves throughout the industry. According to reports, his funeral is scheduled for Thursday evening, and more details about his last rites are awaited.

For the unversed, born as Raghu Balaiah on June 28, 1953, Junior Balaiah was the son of TS Balaiah, a prominent figure in Tamil cinema. Before making his mark in films, he ventured into theatre and acted in plays.

His cinematic journey began with "Melnattu Marumaal," alongside Sivakumar, and he continued to play supporting roles in various films. He shared the screen with legends like Sivaji Ganesan in "Tyagam" and portrayed one of Kamal Haasan's friends in "Havbe Mayam."

One of the career milestones that solidified Junior Balaiah's place in the industry was his role in the hit film "Karakattakaran," directed by Gangai Amaran. 

Junior Balaiah also made appearances in popular television shows such as "Chithi," "Vazhkai," and "Chinna Papa Periya Papa." In 2019, he had the opportunity to be part of Ajith Kumar's "Nerkonda Paarvai," the Tamil remake of "Pink." His last film, "Yennanga Sir Unga Sattam," was released in 2021.