Balaji Patturaj (born 20 June 1985), popularly known as RJ Balaji, is an Indian radio jockey, actor, television presenter, comedian and film director based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He rose to prominence as a radio host on 92.7 Big FM, and subsequently transitioned into Tamil cinema as an actor and later as a director.
| Born | 20 June 1985 |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Balaji Patturaj |
| Known as | RJ Balaji |
| Occupation | Radio jockey, actor, television presenter, comedian, film director |
| Based in | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Radio station | 92.7 Big FM |
| Notable shows | The Night Show with RJ Balaji, Take it Easy, Cross Talk |
| Directorial debut | Karuppu (solo direction) |
Balaji is best known as the host of the 92.7 Big FM programmes The Night Show with RJ Balaji and Take it Easy. The latter included a segment called Cross Talk, now defunct, in which he made prank calls to unsuspecting individuals. The shows established him as one of the prominent Tamil-language radio voices in Chennai.
Beyond radio, Balaji has been associated with Tamil television shows including Ungalil Yaar Adutha Prabhu Dheva and Why This Kolaveri. He has also presented at numerous inter-school cultural events in Chennai and has worked as a cricket commentator.
Balaji entered Tamil cinema as a supporting actor and gradually moved into lead and directorial roles.
Balaji has contributed to several social causes. Along with other actors, he was involved in providing relief support to the victims of the 2015 South India floods.
RJ Balaji is regarded as one of the few Tamil entertainers to have successfully crossed over from FM radio to mainstream cinema, building a career that spans broadcasting, acting, comedy and film direction. His radio persona helped shape his comic identity on screen, and his subsequent move into directing extended his footprint within the Tamil film industry.