[1] Kanniah, who is native to Chennai, has worked in various drama troupes since childhood.
he made his debut in the industry with the film aval oru thodarkathai (1974).
While working at the chennai perambur railway coach factory, he started acting in films.
Director K. Balachandar, he made his acting debut in the Tamil film industry.
[2] Kannaya has a wife Rajeshwari, a son Ramesh and a daughter Chitra, Grand Son Sathish and Grand Daughter Preetha, Vanitha, Pooja [3] He died of heart attack on November 17, 2013 at the age of 77.