Kanakaraj Balasubramanyam is an Indian author, filmmaker, and journalist, primarily known for his contributions to Kannada and Tamil literature and short films. His literary works, which explore themes of immigrant life, dislocation, and post-modern existence, include the Kannada short story collection Ceylon Cycle, which won the U R Ananthamurthy Award, and his acclaimed Tamil novel, Al Khozama, a winner of the Zero Degree Publication Novel Prize. As a filmmaker, his short film, "Burma Express," was recognized with the Best Short Film award at the South Asian International Film Festival.
Career Kanakaraj started as Journalist in 2001 working with Aakruthi, Kannada Magazine.
He teaches English literature at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. In 2025, he initiated Nelaa, a cultural foundation that promotes Indian Dance, Music and Art forms among non-resident Indian's.
Author Kanakaraj worked under the tutelage of Writer, Director Nagathihalli Chandrashekar.He was assistant director to Nagathihalli Chandrashekar.
In 2017, he published Kannada Short Story Collection Ceylon Cycle. It received UR Ananathamurthy award from Shivamogga Kannada Sangha adn was reviewed well in literary circles.
His middles have been published in leading Kannada Newspapers like Prajavani, Kannada Prabha & periodicals like Mayura.
He's active in the literary competitions and has won quite a few awards for his short stories. Kanakaraj has translated works of Tamil Authors like Imayam, Indira Parthasarathy into Kannada.He has translated works of Devanur Mahadeva into Tamil.
His published works in Kannada are: Ceylon Cycle 2017 Zorbana rekhkhe naanu 2022 Bhagyala Thande Aurangazeb
Kanakaraj has also published works in Tamil, notable among them are: Al Khozama explores lives of Arab Bedouins and Indian expatriates. It won the Zero Degree Publication Novel Prize 2021 Palaivanaththi Aindham Suvar Nila Nigazhangal
Film Making Kanakaraj assisted Nagathihalli Chandrashekar in his movie ventures. In 2018, he directed a Short film Burma Express, which was awarded Best Short film in 2018 edition of South Asian International Film Festival. His movie 99 was featured in 2024 Dasara Film Festival.
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