KUALA LUMPUR – For the restless foodies and residents, Bangsar is known for being a haven of banana leaf establishments. One of which is Bala’s Banana Leaf, tucked in the heart of it all.
However, the air was less than merry yesterday, for the community when news of its owner, T. Balakrishnan, passed away at the age of 70 due to liver failure.
Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil shared his condolences on Facebook.
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“He was a kind person and always gave encouragement and support to me and the team.
“Condolences to Uncle Bala's family, and may they be blessed with patience and perseverance in this very sad time,” shared Fahmi.
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Longtime 'Bangsarian' Subhadra Devan moved to the neighbourhood back in 1984 – and has been a resident ever since – knew of Uncle Bala and his wife even before he had his brick-and-mortar shop.
“They used to have a tosai stall underneath a tree right in front of where the current Bala restaurant is. At that time, the row of shop lots were non-existent."
Subhadra notes she would buy food from his shop at least once a week, and remembered the late banana leaf shop owner as, “… not the type who stays behind the counter. He would talk to you and remember your name.”
“Uncle Bala is definitely a community figure – him and his wife. In fact, his family actively runs the shop together, and I have no doubt his three boys will continue his legacy well. They are very hands-on.
“His presence will be sorely missed”.
In The Republic of Bangsar #TROB Facebook group, user Joo Tha, commented: “I had known him for almost 40 years since he had a tosai stall, and when his mother-in-law had a mini market in Jalan Telawi.”
“What is strange is that we have not uttered a single word between us during these years.
“One day my family was having dinner at restaurant Darul Ehsan, he walked towards us and pointed a finger at my ex-partner and said take care of him, he is a good man. He had been observing me throughout the years.”
Another commenter, Jessica Khandar highlights, “RIP uncle Bala. It felt we were dining at home.”
“Always welcomed us with the warms and kindest words. Deepest condolences to all in the family.”
A funeral service for him took place this morning, followed by the cremation at Kampung Tunku crematorium at 1pm.
Due to Covid-19 pandemic and MoH guidelines, funeral prayers were held in a controlled manner to comply with the SOPs. – The Vibes, September 1, 2021
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