Tirunelveli S. Balaiah, a renowned Tamil film actor, was born on August 22, 1914, and left an indelible mark on the Tamil film industry by playing a wide range of supporting roles throughout his illustrious career. Balaiah's introduction to the world of cinema was facilitated by the visionary director Ellis R. Dungan in the 1936 film Sathi Leelavathi, alongside other notable actors such as MGR, N.S.Krishnan, and M.K. Radha.
Throughout his tenure in the film industry, Balaiah demonstrated his versatility by excelling in multiple roles, including villainous characters, character roles, and comedic parts. His portrayal of villains in films like Ambikapathy (1937),Madurai Veeran (1956),Hello Mr. Zamindar, and Thiruvilayadal (1965) is particularly noteworthy, with these roles being considered some of the most iconic in Tamil cinema.
In addition to his villainous roles, Balaiah also showcased his comedic talents in films such as Kavalai Illatha Manithan (1960),Kaadhalika Neramillai (1964),Bama Vijayam (1967),and Thillana Mohanambal (1968). His impressive range and ability to adapt to various roles earned him widespread recognition and admiration from his peers, including the legendary actor Sivaji Ganesan, who often cited Balaiah as his most admired actor.
