He was one of the very few actors who excelled as a villain, as well as in character roles and comic roles.
Balaiah was introduced to the cine field by director Ellis R. Dungan in Sathi Leelavathi (1936), along with M. G. Ramachandran, N. S. Krishnan and M. K. Radha.
Actor Sivaji Ganesan had once mentioned that Balaiah along with M. R. Radha was his most admired actor.
He gained lot of weight at the age of 40 in 1954, hence started getting more character roles.
He was an Indian actor, and is best known for playing supporting roles in Tamil films.
Actress Manochithra is his daughter, while one of his sons Junior Balaiah has also appeared in films. Another son, Sai Baba, was part of MSV's troupe and sang a few songs.
Balaiah played first lead role in Mohini paired opposite Madhuri Devi, where he played elder brother to V. N. Janaki and supporting role by M.G.R .
Balaiah began his film career through the Tamil film Sathi Leelavathi in 1936.
Being Part of various drama troupe, his career into films started from 'Madurai Original Boys' drama company which had several talented youngsters who created history in Tamil cinema, including M.K. Radha, M. G. Ramachandran, N. S. Krishnan.