K. Balaji

Krishnamachari Balaji (24 June 19342 May 2009) was an Indian film producer and actor. He was a prominent actor in the 1960s and 70s, playing lead, supporting and antagonist roles. He appeared in many Sivaji Ganesan films. Early life Balaji was born in Tamil brahmin family to Krishnamachari and Janaki Devi in Madras, Madras Presidency. He was the grandson of colonial era advocate T. Rangachari. He started acting at an early age, when he performed in school plays and amateur theatre shows. Career Balaji contacted S. S. Vasan, then owner of Gemini Studios in 1951, looking for work. He was offered a minor role in Auvaiyar, in which he played the Hindu god Muruga. Balaji soon understood that he was better off playing a villain or the hero's understudy with a negative angle in films that included Padithaal Mattum Podhumaa, Bale Pandiya, En Kadamai and Thillana Mohanambal.