Tamil actor Daniel Balaji dies of heart attack at 48

He was 48.

The actor, renowned for his diverse talents and captivating on-screen charisma, was hospitalized in Chennai's Kottivakam due to chest pain, when he passed away, reported The New Indian Express.

The actor's body will be laid to rest at his residence in Purasaiwalkam on Saturday.

Balaji began his film career as a unit production manager on the sets of Kamal Haasan's unreleased Marudhanayagam.

Balaji's first role was in the television serial Chithi, where he played a character named Daniel.

His first film in Tamil was April Maadhathil, followed by a role in Kaadhal Kondein.

His first major role was in Kaakha Kaakha as a police officer alongside Suriya, who played the leading role.

Balaji followed this up with another major role in Menon's next film, that of the antagonist Amudhan in the blockbuster film Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu.

Balaji made his debut in Malayalam cinema through Black. Later, he was cast as the villain in Bhagavan (opposite Mohanlal) and Daddy Cool (opposite Mammootty).

Social media users pay tribue

Social media users mourned his demise as platforms flooded with emotional messages and tributes since the news of his demise grabbed headlines.

One social media user Fighter 4 Humanity said: "Morning Wake Up With Heartbroken News."

Another user named Vigneshwari posted on X: "Really can’t believe he is no more with us."

User Nammavar said: "Such a talent Gone too soon."

Columnist Sreedhar Pillai wrote on X: "#DanielBalaji (48) a fine actor passed away late night due to a cardiac arrest. Who can forget his voice and performance as the antagonist in Vettaiyaadu Vilayaadu, Polladhavan?"