Hyderabad: Veteran advertising professional Balaji Mahadevan, fondly known as ‘Mac’ among his wide circle of friends and associates, passed away at his residence in Defence Colony on Wednesday morning. He was 85.
Mac, who had a long and distinguished association with Kiran Ads, the advertising division of the Eenadu Group, was a well-known and respected figure in Hyderabad’s media and advertising fraternity. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter-in-law and two granddaughters.
Known for his exceptional communication skills, warm personality, and gentle demeanour, Mac earned the affection and admiration of everyone who came in contact with him. The outpouring of grief on the Deccan Club’s WhatsApp group, which was flooded with heartfelt condolence messages soon after news of his demise broke, was a testimony to how deeply loved he was — a true Ajathashatru, a rare soul who lived a life without making an enemy.
An avid reader to the core, Mac never missed an opportunity to lay his hands on a newly released book. Literature, history, novels, biographies or children’s books — his intellectual curiosity knew no boundaries.
He also served as Vice-President of the historic Deccan Club, one of the city’s oldest social institutions. Successive executive committees invariably chose him to head the Library Committee, recognising his encyclopaedic knowledge of books and his unwavering commitment to nurturing a vibrant reading culture within the club.
Mac’s nobility extended far beyond his professional and social life. Perhaps the greatest reflection of his humanitarian outlook was a will he had reportedly written more than a decade ago, expressing his wish that his eyes and even his body be donated for medical research after his death. That such a progressive decision came from a man born into an orthodox Tamil Brahmin family only underlined the breadth of his vision and the depth of his compassion.
With his passing, Hyderabad has lost not merely a veteran advertising professional, but a cultured gentleman, an avid bibliophile, a compassionate human being, and a cherished friend whose absence will be felt by generations of admirers.
In an age where achievements and titles often measure public life, Mac will perhaps be remembered more for something far rarer — his kindness, humility, and the extraordinary ability to touch lives without ever seeking the limelight.
Excellent and an apt potrayal of a person by the author who was friend to all. His personality touched each and every member of the Deccan Club and his contributions made a difference. A rare breed indeed. He will be missed in the evening gatherings but will surely be remembered, always.
I am truly grateful to Mr. Shankar for truly capturing the essence of the person Mr. Mahadevan or as we fondly call as Mac. It’s a personal loss, as I have lost a dear friend, guide and a mentor. I am not sure how this vacuum is ever going to be filled. But, I am sure, wherever he is, he is making that a better place.
Very few live in the hearts of people. His voyages of knowledge, wisdom and expertise shared with all will remain forever. An excellent citation written for a Thoughtful personality.
He was a very warm and friendly person who touched many lives with his kindness. Wherever he may be now, may his soul rest in eternal peace.