Fans of Indian cinema were saddened this week to learn that one of its veteran stars suffocated to death. 

According to India Today, Tamil actor Raghu Balaiah passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning at the age of 70.

Actor suffered from breathing difficulties

Balaiah, who was affectionately known by the nickname "Junior Balaiah" died at his home in Valasaravakkam, a neighborhood in the Chennai district.

India Today noted that the actor was known to suffer from breathing difficulties. His funeral took place a day after his death.

Tamil actor Junior Balaiah dies of suffocation at 70 in Chennaihttps://t.co/khcUvnW2io

— India Today Showbiz (@Showbiz_IT) November 2, 2023

He was the son of Indian film star T.S. Balaiah and rose to prominence following his appearance in the 1975 film "Melnaattu Marumagal."

That was followed by starring roles in a number of other movies, including "Karagattkaran," "Sundara Kandam," "Winner," and "Saattai."

Balaiah found success in television as well

Balaiah also drew praise four years ago for his role in Ajith Kumar's "Nerkonda Paarvai." His final film appearance came in 2021 with "Yennanga Sir Unga Sattam."

In addition to acting on the big screen, Balaiah also found success in television as well, with programs like "Chithi," "Vazhkai," and "Chinna Papa Periya Papa."

News of Balaiah's death was met with sadness from his fans and friends on social media, including one who said she "will be missing a loving and wonderful person."

It’s so sad in knowing the demise of my friend, actor Junior Balaiah or Raghu Balaiah anna, son of the veteran character artiste Mr TS Balaiah.I will be missing a loving and wonderful person....love you anna 💋💋💋❤️❤️❤️ and cherishing those sweet memories😢😢😢 pic.twitter.com/vvCTags41l

— Actress ranjini (@actress_ranjini) November 2, 2023

Fellow actor recalls teenage friendship with Haasan

Another online tribute was shared by famed Indian actor, dancer, writer, and director Kamal Haasan, who shared fond memories of the deceased.

பழம்பெரும் நடிகர் டி.எஸ்.பாலையா அவர்களின் மகனான ஜூனியர் பாலையா ரகு, எனக்கு பதின்பருவ நண்பராக அமைந்தார். தந்தையைப் போலவே நாடக மேடைகளில் தன் கலையைத் தொடங்கி திரையில் வலம் வந்தவர் இன்று மறைந்து விட்டார். அவருக்கு என் அஞ்சலி. அவரது குடும்பத்தாருக்கு என் ஆறுதலைத்…

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) November 2, 2023

"Junior Balayya Raghu, son of legendary actor D.S. Balayya, became my teenage friend," Haasan wrote in a post on the social media platform previously known as Twitter.

"Like his father, who started his career on the theater stage and crawled on the screen, he is gone today. My tribute to him. My condolences to his family," he added.