Tamil actor Daniel Balaji tragically passed away on Friday night, March 29, after suffering a heart attack. He was rushed to a private hospital in Chennai where despite efforts he couldn’t be saved. Balaji, aged 48, will be laid to rest today.
The sudden and untimely death of Daniel Balaji has deeply saddened his fans and the film industry. Director Mohan Raja expressed his grief on social media remembering Balaji as an inspiration and a dear friend. He mourned the loss and wished for Balaji’s soul to rest in peace.
Daniel Balaji entered the Tamil film scene in 2002 with his debut in “April Madhathil,” but it was his roles in Gautham Menon’s “Kaakha Kaakha” featuring Suriya and Jyotika that propelled him to fame. Following this success he graced the screens in numerous Tamil productions such as “Vidhi Madhi Ultaa” and “Polladhavan”. Balaji’s versatility was further showcased in notable films like “Bairavaa” alongside Thalapathy Vijay, “Vada Chennai” with Dhanush, and “Bigil” featuring Vijay.
Daniel Balaji’s early life
Born in Chennai to a Kannada father and Tamil mother, Balaji pursued a film direction course at the Taramani Film Institute in Chennai. He is the nephew of Kannada film director Siddalingaiah, who is also the father of renowned Kannada and Tamil actor Murali. Balaji’s nephew is Atharvaa.
Daniel Balaji’s journey in the film industry
Daniel Balaji embarked on his journey in the film industry as a unit production manager for Kamal Haasan’s project ‘Marudhunayagam’ , although the film remained incomplete. He earned the moniker “Daniel” after his debut appearance in the popular Tamil TV serial ‘Chithi’, where his character was named ‘Daniel’. This name eventually became a part of his real identity. Balaji’s initial foray into Tamil cinema included roles in ‘April Maadhathil’ and ‘Kaadhal Kondein’. Alongside Tamil films he also made notable appearances in Malayalam and Kannada films.
Balaji garnered acclaim for his remarkable performances in movies like ‘Vettaiyadu Vilayadu’, ‘Vada Chennai’ and ‘Polladhavan’. Notably, he portrayed a villainous role in the Telugu film ‘Chirutha’.
Adding to his familial connections within the industry, Balaji’s uncle is the renowned Kannada director Siddalingaiah, known for his collaborations with Rajkumar in films like ‘Bangaarada Manushya’ and ‘Nyayave Devaru’. Siddalingaiah is also the father of Tamil actor Murali.
Beyond Tamil cinema Balaji also left his mark in Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada movies adding to his diverse acting portfolio.
Daniel Balaji’s films
Daniel Balaji has acted in more than 40 movies. Here is a list of these movies –
| Sl no. | Movie | Year |
| 1. | April Madhathil | 2002 |
| 2. | Kadhal Kondain | 2003 |
| 3. | Kaakha Kaakha | 2003 |
| 4. | Black | 2004 |
| 5. | Samba | 2004 |
| 6. | Gharshana | 2004 |
| 7. | Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu | 2006 |
| 8. | November Rain | 2006 |
| 9. | Photographer | 2006 |
| 10. | Polladhavan | 2007 |
| 11. | Chirutha | 2007 |
| 12. | Muthirai | 2009 |
| 13. | Bhagavan | 2009 |
| 14. | Daddy Cool | 2009 |
| 15. | Kirataka | 2011 |
| 16. | Mithivedi | 2012 |
| 17. | Crime Story | 2012 |
| 18. | 12 Hours | 2012 |
| 19. | Paisa Paisa | 2013 |
| 20. | Marumugam | 2014 |
| 21. | Gnana Kirukkan | 2014 |
| 22. | Shivajinagara | 2014 |
| 23. | Yennai Arindhaal | 2015 |
| 24. | Dove | 2015 |
| 25. | Vai Raja Vai | 2015 |
| 26. | Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada | 2016 |
| 27. | Sahasam Swasaga Sagipo | 2016 |
| 28. | Bairavaa | 2017 |
| 29. | Enbathettu | 2017 |
| 30. | Ippadai Vellum | 2017 |
| 31. | Yazh | 2017 |
| 32. | Maayavan | 2017 |
| 33. | Bangalore Underworld | 2017 |
| 34. | Vidhi Madhi Ultaa | 2018 |
| 35. | Vada Chennai | 2018 |
| 36. | Gangs of Madras | 2019 |
| 37. | Bigil | 2019 |
| 38. | Tuck Jagadish | 2021 |
| 39. | Anandham Vilayadum Veedu | 2021 |
| 40. | Ariyavan | 2023 |
Daniel Balaji’s TV Shows
Daniel Balaji has played role in 2 TV Shows between the year 2000 and 2002.
| Sl no. | TV Show | Year |
| 1. | Chithi | 2000-2001 |
| 2. | Alaigal | 2001-2002 |
Daniel Balaji donated his eyes
Reports indicate that Balaji had expressed his intention to donate his eyes after his demise. On Saturday afternoon, a trade analyst shared news of the successful eye donation.