Balakrishna (Kannada actor)
| T. N. Balakrishna | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
2 November 1913 Arasikere, Hassan Kingdom of Mysore, |
| Died | 19 July 1995 (aged 81) Bangalore, Karnataka, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Other names | Balanna |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Spouse(s) | Sathyavathi Sarojamma |
| Children | 5 |
Balakrishna (2 November 1913 – 19 July 1995) was an Indian actor in the Kannada film industry. He was said to have a hearing problem and some say that he was totally deaf. However, he would catch the lip movements of the artists and would narrate the dialogues spontaneously. He was popular for his comic and villain roles in films like Muriyada Mane (1964), Bangaarada Manushya (1972), Gandhada Gudi (1973) and Kaamana Billu (1983) and appeared in over a hundred films that starred Rajkumar in the lead role.
Balakrishna is known to have played the most number of roles in Kannada cinema, having appeared in over 560 films, and in variety of roles; as a hero, villain, comedian, good Samaritan, loving father and a lunatic.
Balakrishna was born into a poor family on 2 November 1913 in Arsikere, Kingdom of Mysore. When he was four years old, his mother sold him to a couple for just ₹8 in order to provide treatment for her ailing husband. He ran away from his adopted parents after having been treated badly.
Balakrishna started his acting career by acting in a play, Shri Rama Pattabhishekha in 1929. Following this, he worked as painter of the stage backdrops for a drama company before becoming a professional sign painter. Later, he became a ticket collector in a drama company for a meagre salary. He returned to acting in theatre with Lakshmasana Drama Company and then with Gowrishankar Nataka Mandali. Following this, he joined the drama company of Gubbi Veeranna, a notable theatre director during the time. Film director B. R. Panthulu happened to visit the drama company, saw his acting on stage and offered him a film role. This was how his career as an actor began in films. He appeared in a negative role in the film Kalachakra, a performance that was appreciated. He appeared in over a hundred Kannada films playing comic roles mostly, that starred Rajkumar in lead roles.
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