Born in Sundankottai, near Sathankulam in Thoothukudi, 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.

[2] He was born in Sundankottai, now in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu[3] Balaiah lived in T. Nagar, and died at the age of 59.

Among his villain roles, Ambikapathy 1937, Andhaman Kaithi, Madurai Veeran, Thaikkupin Tharam, Hello Mister Zamindar and Thiruvilaiyadal were critically acclaimed.

Balaiah also excelled in comedy roles in movies such as Kavalai Illaadha Manithan, Kadhalikka Neramillai, Bama Vijayam and Thillana Mohanambal.

One of his sons, Sai Baba, was part of MSV's troupe and sang a few songs.