K. Balaji

K. Balaji (5 August 1934 – 2 May 2009) was a South Indian producer and actor whose work included Rajinikanth' s Billa and Kamal Haasan' s Vazhvey Maayam. He was the father-in-law of actor Mohanlal.

Early life

Balaji's mother was Malayalee and his father was Tamil. He was the grandson of colonial era advocate T. Rangachari. His interest in acting began when he performed in school plays and amateur theatre shows.

Career

His quest for a space in showbiz led Balaji to the office of S. S. Vasan, then owner of Gemini Studios in 1951. Vasan was not very keen to work with a newcomer but gave him a minor role in Auvaiyar, in which he played Hindu god Muruga.

Slowly he managed to land meatier roles and was featured as a male lead in a few films.

Balaji soon understood he was better off playing a villain or the hero's understudy with a negative angle in films that included Padithaal Mattum Podhumaa, Bale Pandiya and Thillana Mohanambal.

Even as the career was taking shape, he was hired as a manager in Narasu Studios in the southwest suburbs.

Kasturi Balaji

Kasturi Balaji (born 1955) is an Indian journalist and publisher who is the Managing Director of The Hindu since 20 March 2010.

Early life

Balaji was born in 1955 to G. Kasturi and his wife, Kamala. He graduated in commerce from the Loyola College, Chennai and MBA from the University of Bombay.

Career

Balaji joined The Hindu in 1977 and till 1991, he was associated with newspaper and magazine production. He was instrumental in setting up an ink manufacturing plant.

From 1991 to 2000, Balaji served as Managing Director of Sanka Graphics Pvt Ltd and from 2000 to 2010, he was director of Kasturi and Sons Ltd, which published The Hindu. He is in-charge of production, EDP, accounts and circulation.

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