CHENNAI: Noted film producer K Balaji passed away at a city hospital on Saturday. The 74-year-old was ailing from kidney problems and was admitted to the Apollo hospital two weeks ago. He died of a heart attack at 4.30 pm on Saturday.
He is survived by a son — Suresh Balaji, who is a producer — and two daughters. One of his daughters, Suchithra, is married to Malayalam actor Mohanlal. Sujatha is the other daughter. His wife Anandavalli had died in 1995.
On returning from her campaign trail at Mettupalayam and Coimbatore on Saturday, AIADMK chief J Jayalaithaa visited Balaji’s house to pay her respects.
Balalji entered the film industry doing small roles. He started his career with ‘Avvayaar’ (1951) playing Lord Subramanian. He acted in films like ‘Sarasa BA’ with Bhanumathi, Naganandhini with Devika and ‘Puthiya Pathai’ with Savithri.
He started Balaji Nadaka Madram with late comedian Nagesh.
In 1963, Balaji joined as production- in-charge of films made by Narasu studio situated in Guindy.
He started Sujatha Cine Arts in 1966. Balaji made ‘Annavin Aaasai’ with Gemini Ganesan and KR Vijay.
He dominated the film production world for many years with a number of hits, which were remakes of Bollywood and Telugu films.
Balaji also produced many films with late Sivaji Ganesan and acted in a couple of films with late chief minister M G Ramachandran. Jayalalithaa too had acted in his films like ‘Enkiruntho Vanthaal’, ‘Neethi’ and Raja.
He was also instrumental in shaping the careers of many actors such as Rajnikanth. The superstar acted in his film, ‘Billa’, which endeared him to the masses.
Balaji had more than made up his acting career by producing films.
He kept himself away from film production after his wife’s death. Two years ago, he made ‘Kireedam’ with Ajith in the lead, and last year, he produced ‘Yaavarum Nalam’.