Actor and writer Daniel Balaji, whose real name is T. C. Balaji, is primarily recognized for his roles in Malayalam and Tamil movies.
Daniel Balaji, whose parents are Tamil and Telugu, was born in Chennai and attended the Taramani Film Institute to study film direction. He is from a family in the film business; his nephew, Atharvaa, is an actor, and his uncle, Siddalingaiah, is a Kannada film director.
Daniel Balaji started his professional life managing a unit of production for Kamal Haasan’s unreleased movie “Marudhanayagam.” Afterwards, he made his acting debut as Daniel in the television series “Chithi.” Because of his performance in this part, he was given the name Daniel Balaji for his subsequent serial, “Alaigal.”
He starred in movies like “April Maadhathil” and “Kaadhal Kondein” in Tamil cinema. His big break came when he costarred with Suriya as a police inspector in Gautham Vasudev Menon’s “Kaakha Kaakha.” He kept receiving praise for his role opposite Kamal Haasan as the antagonist Amudhan in Menon’s hit movie “Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu.”
Daniel Balaji’s career took off thanks to roles as a villain in Telugu films like “Chirutha” and “Polladhavan.” In “Muthirai,” he also portrayed the title character.
He debuted in Malayalam cinema with the movie “Black” and went on to play antagonistic roles in the films “Bhagavan” (against Mohanlal) and “Daddy Cool” (against Mammootty).
Daniel Balaji Biography
| Name | T. C. Balaji |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 02/09/1975 |
| Current Residence | Chennai,Tamil Nadu, India |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Daniel Balaji Height | 173 CM |
| Hobbies | Listening to Music, Singing, Dancing, Reading, Shopping |
| Educational Qualification | Graduate |
Daniel Balaji Movie
| Language | Movie Name |
|---|---|
| Tamil | April Madhathil |
| Malayalam | Black |
| Telugu | Samba |
| Karnataka | Kirataka |
Daniel Balaji Brother
He is the brother of the popular erstwhile Tamil actor, Murali.
Daniel Balaji Family
Balaji was born in Chennai to a Telugu father and a Tamil mother. He studied a film direction course in Taramani Film Institute, Chennai. His uncle is Kannada film director Siddalingaiah, the father of Tamil actor Murali. His nephew is Atharvaa, who made his acting debut in Baana Kaathadi.
Daniel Balaji Career
Daniel Balaji, a figure linked with powerful performances and adaptability, approached his film debut in a way that embodies his dynamic approach to the medium. Balaji first worked with the renowned Kamal Haasan as a unit production manager for the daring Marudhanayagam project. He quickly rose to prominence and made a lasting impression on Malayalam and Tamil cinema.
His acting career began on the small screen, where he gained recognition for playing Daniel in the critically acclaimed television series “Chithi.” His subsequent roles were made possible by the success of the play; in fact, director Sunder K. Vijayan recognized his compelling performance in “Chithi” and gave him the nickname “Daniel Balaji” in the serial “Alaigal.”
Balaji’s rise to fame in film began with his performances in “April Maadhathil” and “Kaadhal Kondein,” two Tamil films in which he made his acting debut. But it was his breakout performance as a police officer in Gautham Vasudev Menon’s “Kaakha Kaakha,” which shot him to fame. His portrayal of a resolute law enforcement officer struck a chord with viewers and paved the way for several powerful performances.
Balaji continued his partnership with Gautham Vasudev Menon by portraying the antagonist Amudhan in the hit movie “Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu,” which starred Kamal Haasan. He received a great deal of praise for his ability to give his characters nuance and complexity, solidifying his reputation as a strong genius in the field.
Daniel Balaji Movies
Tamil films
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | April Madhathil | Suresh |
| 2003 | Kadhal Kondain, Kaakha Kaakha | Police Inspector |
| 2006 | Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu | Amudhan Sukumaran |
| 2007 | Polladhavan | Ravi |
| 2009 | Muthirai | Azhagu |
| 2011 | Kirataka | Seena |
| 2012 | Mithivedi | Asoka |
| 2014 | Marumugam | Mayazhagan |
| Gnana Kirukkan | Ganesan | |
| 2015 | Yennai Arindhaal | Assassin |
| Vai Raja Vai | Randhe | |
| 2016 | Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada | Hiren |
| 2017 | Bairavaa, Enbathettu, Ippadai Vellum, Yazh, Maayavan | Kottai Veeran, Chota, Asokan, Rudran |
| 2018 | Vidhi Madhi Ultaa, Vada Chennai | Danie, Thambi |
| 2019 | Vigil | Boxy |
| Vigil | Bigil | Daniel |
| 2021 | Anandham Vilayadum Veedu | Karuppan |
| 2023 | Ariyavan | Thuraipandi |
Malayalam films
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Black | Ezhumalai |
| 2006 | November Rain | Mattancherry Dada |
| – | Photographer | Inspector |
| 2009 | Bhagavan | Saifudeen |
| – | Daddy Cool | Siva |
| 2012 | Crime Story | Shivan |
| – | 12 Hours | Antony Raj |
| 2013 | Paisa Paisa | Auto driver |
Telugu films
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Samba | Goon |
| Gharshana | Srikanth | |
| 2007 | Chirutha | Beeku |
| 2016 | Sahasam Swasaga Sagipo | Hiren |
| 2021 | Tuck Jagadish | Veerendra Naidu |
Kannada films
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Kirataka | Seena |
| 2014 | Shivajinagara | Aali |
| 2015 | Dove | – |
| 2017 | Bangalore Underworld | ACP Thomas |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000-2001 | Chithi | Daniel | Sun TV |
| 2001-2002 | Alaigal | Dharma | Sun TV |
Daniel Balaji Death
Daniel Balaji, a famous actor, has passed away!
Actor Daniel Balaji, who was most renowned for his parts in the films Vada Chennai, Kaakha Kaakha, Polladhavan, Vettaiyadu Vilayaadu, and Chitthi, died on Friday.
Daniel Balaji, a Tamil actor, died on Friday at a private hospital in Chennai after cardiac arrest. 48 was his age.
Daniel passed away, reportedly, in a Kottivakam hospital where he was taken for chest problems.
Daniel Balaji started his career in television, where he starred in the series Chitthi and received great praise. Later on, he starred in more than 40 movies, such as Vada Chennai, Polladhavan, Vettaiyadu Vilayaadu, and Kaakha Kaakha. The actor has appeared in Malayalam and Telugu films as well.
On Saturday, Daniel’s funeral will take place in Purasaiwalkam.
What happened to Daniel Balaji
The actor reported suffering from chest issues on Friday and was taken to the hospital instantly. Following the death, his remains were brought to his Purasaiwalkam home for the last formalities. Both his followers and the Tamil film industry were taken aback by his passing.
Mohan Raja, Daniel Balaji fans pay him tribute
Director Mohan Raja paid tribute to Balaji and penned a note on X. Sharing a tweet, he wrote, “Such a sad news. He was an inspiration for me to join film institute. A very good friend. Miss working with him. May his soul rest in peace. #RipDanielbalaji.”
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