Vadivel Balaji Death: Actor's Friend Reveals He Was In Depression Due To Loss Of Work During COVID-19 Lockdown

Vadivel Balaji's funeral took place in Chennai on Friday (September 11). The actor's death has sent shock waves across the Tamil entertainment industry.

(Source- Twitter)

New Delhi: The untimely demise of popular actor Vadivel Balaji has left the entire Tamil film and TV industry in a state of shock. Vadivel, who was known for his comic timing, passed away on Thursday (September 10) at Chennai. He was 45. According to a report in a leading daily, the talented actor was admitted to a private hospital in Chennai after he suffered a heart attack. Balaji was undergoing treatment since 15 days after getting paralyzed due to the heart attack. The actor was shifted to a couple of other hospitals as his family members couldn’t manage the medical expenses at the first hospital, where he was admitted, the report in Times Of India said. He was later shifted to a government hospital in Chennai, where he passed away. Several Kollywood celebs including Dhanush, Mahendran mourned Vadivel Balaji’s death on social media. “Deeply saddened and disturbed by the sudden demise of a great talent, Vadivel Balaji. May his soul rest in peace. My condolences to his family,” Dhanush.

Vadivel Balaji’s ‘Kalakka Povadhu Yaaru’ co-star Aranthangi Nisha, while talking to a portal, said that he was under severe depression since few months due to the Coronavirus lockdown. She added that small-time actors including her get paid only when they feature in shows. She said that their financial income is dependent on the shows they are part of. Vadivel Balaji and his wife participated together in the show ‘Mr and Mrs Chinnathirai’. The actor hoped to have a long run on the show; however, he got eliminated, the report added. "Vadivel’s wife is not educated and cannot read or write", Nisha told Indiaglitz while expressing concern about his family’s future. She added that Balaji had told her how he was getting affected due to lack of work during the COVID-19 lockdown. The ‘Kalakalappu 2’ actress further said that Balaji could have been saved if his family didn’t face financial crunch. Vadivel Balaji is survived by his wife and two kids. The comedian's funeral took place on Friday (September 11). According to reports, his family broke down in tears after his mortal remains were brought at their house. On the professional front, Vadivel featured in several films including Nayanthara starrer 'Kolamaavu Kokila'. We extend our deepest condolences to Vadivel's family.