Yesteryear actor Balaiah no more

The versatile actor had forayed into writing, direction and production to keep his love for cinema alive

Veteran producer, director, screenplay writer and actor Mannava Balaiah passed away on Saturday morning, that happened to be his 92nd birthday at his Yousufguda home in Hyderabad.

Balaiah debuted with Etthuku Pai Ethu in 1958 in a lead role and subsequently did significant character roles in films like Parvathi Kalyanam, Irugu Porugu, Bobbili Yuddham, Pandava Vanavasam, Monagaalaku Mongaadu, Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam, Vikramarka Vijayam, Alluri Sitaramaraju, Prana Snehitulu, Annamayya, Pelli Sandadi, Malleeswari, Sri Ramarajyam and many more. He portrayed and excelled in the elderly roles and his repertoire as an actor expanded to nearly 300 films.

Born in Guntur district , he did Mechanical Engineering at Guindy Engineering College, Chennai, and kept his passion for acting alive by taking part in theatre in college. After entering films, he diversified his role from acting to story writing and produced successful films like Chelleli Kapuram with Shoban Babu, Neramu Siksha with Krishna. Chuttalunnaru jagratha and Oorikichina Maata with Chiranjeevi.

Balaiah proved his mettle as a director with films like Pasupu Thaadu, Nijam Chebite Nerama, Policu Alludu and more. He received Golden Nandi for the Best Film for Chelleli Kapuram.

Balaiah will be remembered for the dignity and grace that he brought to his characters with his subdued acting.