Junior Balaiah dead – Tamil actor dies aged 70 at his Chennai home after suffering heart attack
VETERAN Tamil actor Raghu Balaiah has passed away at 70 after a fatal heart attack.
The South-Indian star, fondly known as “Junior Balaiah” by fans, died in his Chennai home in the early hours of November 2.
Jai Balaiah Ganesh, Balaiah’s younger brother, broke the news to the media saying: “He suffered a heart attack and passed away instantly.
“He wasn’t well for a while now and had been taking rest.”
The circumstances of his death are now being investigated.
A funeral for the star will be held on Thursday, according to reports.
However, more details about his last rites are still awaited.
Born on June 28, 1953, Raghu Balaiah was the son of the late legendary actor TS Balaiah.
He debuted in the Tamil film industry in 1975 with Melnaattu Marumagal, and his famous works include Karagattkaran, Sundara Kandam, Winner, and Saatai.
Apart from movies, Balaiah also worked in the TV industry – and did shows like Chithi, Vazhkai, and Chinna Papa Periya Papa.
It comes after pregnant Malayalam TV actress Dr Priya passed away at 35.
The expectant mother reportedly died due to cardiac arrest in a private hospital on October 31.
She underwent a regular pregnancy check-up at the hospital shortly before suffering the fatal heart attack, it was reported.
Doctors managed to save the newborn baby and he has been put in the Intensive Care Unit, according to the hospital.
She is survived by her mother and husband.