C. S. Balachandra Raju, the well-known photographer of Mylapore, is no more. He passed away on Sunday, May 10.Raju was the man behind the iconic Sathyam Studio, located in a nook off R K Mutt Road alongside the Thirumayilai MRTS station. A studio with a history of over 65 years.
It was a business he inherited from his father and in passing away, he left the baton to his son to continue the profession.
He was 81 years when he breathed his last and was bedridden in the last two months and moved to a senior citizen home at Tambaram from where he didn’t return, said Gajapathi Raju.
As a photographer he was associated with educational institutions like Vivekananda College, Ramakrishna Mission, Rosary Matriculation school and St Thomas convent and even MIT Chromepet. to name a few.
Mylaporeans and beyond saw him an a man who brought auspicious times and hence, signed him up for taking photos for the marriages and the would-be brides.
And these people, would return for photographing their children in the studio by the grand old man.
Photo courtesy; The Hindu
(( )) IF you knew Sathyam Studio and Raju well, post your anecdotes here.
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When we lived in opposite house to you in Gopathi Narayana Chetti Theru I remember growing up with you guys .
I remember your father very well and he knows our faily too. Now I live in Boston USA
The photos took in your studio are still hanging in my wall
RIP
When we lived in opposite house to you in Gopathi Narayana Chetti Theru, I remember growing up with you guys. I remember your father very well. Now I live in Boston USA. The photos took in your studio are still hanging in my wall…..
RIP
Having been a Mylaporean from fifties, I even knew his father. Balachander Raju was not only a replica of his father but also a hundred per cent reflection of the kindly disposition of him. Once a customer will always be a customer in Satyam. On quite a few occasions our family engaged him. Black and white pictures still adorn our albums with the same brightness. In spite of fancy studios coming up Satyam had its prestigious place in photographic field. May his soul Rest In Peace.
He was a part and parcel of my family’s educational progress. My five sisters and me, 4 of us post graduates had all our photos requirements right from pass port photos to graduation photos right from early 60s only from him. A soft spoken Pleasant and technically sound person. Was professional and stuck to time commitments. May his soul rest in peace
A great man. A Mylaporian myself I used to spend my time in his studio between my graduation and before I left for north for my career. Let his soul rest in peace.
Satyam studios is an unforgettable place part and parcel of every event in our family. For my civil service exam I took the foto there and he insisted that I wear a tie and coat ! Though I dint have one I borrowed and took a passport photo. He had unique style in moving the cap of the photo shutter with a flourish of his hand !My sisters, brother took photos there for various occasion including for marriage proposals! We were all successful in life thanks to the benevolent charm of Satyam studio.
May his soul rest in everlasting peace
Sentimentally attached. A very lucky place. Use the photo shot at this studio, You are assured of success. My mother, myself and my children have all been here.
His daughter was my classmate in Rosary Matriculation school. We used to really look forward to the annual class photo sessions. He was patient with our giggling fits and though he looked intimidating he was really a wonderful man who just wanted to make sure that he just wanted the best picture for each one of us. It seems like yesterday! RIP Sir. I have preserved each and everyone if the wonderful class photos that you have taken!
i used to frequent his studio between 1965 -1974.. back then I was a teenager attending P.S.High School.
Raju is a skilled photographer and artistically inclined. He is a pleasant, friendly, warm outgoing man He is a coversationist and well informed. Raju is a good friend. As time passed on I moved abroad and lost touch with him.. May God Bless his Soul
Rest in Peace my Friend.
This was the only photograph shop we all used to go on all occasions! The owner was a man of few words.
Dependable and prompt! He took my graduation and serval pictures on important occasions in my life! Nostalgic! His work will be always remembered!