The senior script writer and director Sai Balaji aka Nakkala Vara Prasad passed away on Monday morning due to Coronavirus related complications. Sai Balaji was born in Alivelu Mangapuram near Tirupati, and he was 57. He is known for helming soap operas Siri, Aparanji and Halahalam. He, a protégé of director Ravi Raja Pinisetty, directed few action entertainers Sivaji and Orey Thammudu with Srihari in the lead roles. He also helmed late actor Uday Kiran’s last film Jai Sriram.
Sai Balaji is survived by a wife Gowri and daughter Sneha Poojitha. He started his career in the movies when Tollywood was based in Madras over three and a half decades ago. It was director Sai Balaji who introduced popular comedian MS Narayana with Pedarayudu. He had also worked in the writing department of Naga Babu’s Anjana Productions, Krishna Vamsi and YVS Chowdary.
Several celebrities from Telugu film Industry expressed shock over Sai Balaji’ demise.
According to the latest report, the entire family members of the director tested positive for Coronavirus and they are under home isolation, while Sai Balaji was admitted to TIMS, Gachibowli and his rites were performed yesterday evening.
www.tollywood.net is expressing their deepest condolences over the demise of director Sai Balaji. May his soul rest in peace.