Kannada Actor Santhosh Balaraj Passes Away at 34
The Kannada film industry, fondly known as Sandalwood, is reeling from the tragic loss of actor Santhosh Balaraj, who passed away at the age of 34 on August 5, 2025, due to complications from jaundice. The young actor, known for his intense performances and promising career, succumbed to his illness in the ICU of Sagar Apollo Hospital in Bengaluru, leaving fans, colleagues, and the film fraternity in deep shock. Here’s a look at Santhosh’s life, career, and the legacy he leaves behind.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Santhosh Balaraj, born in 1991 in Bengaluru, Karnataka, was the son of renowned film producer Anekal Balaraj, who passed away in a tragic road accident in May 2022. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the Kannada film industry, Santhosh’s path to acting was almost destined. He made his debut in 2009 with the film Kempa, produced by his father’s production house, Santosh Enterprises, where he played the lead role alongside actors like Avinash, Ruchita Prasad, and Pradeep Singh Rawat. Though Kempa marked his entry into Sandalwood, it was his later roles that cemented his reputation as a talented performer.
Santhosh gained widespread recognition for his role in the 2015 action thriller Ganapa, directed by Prabhu Srinivas. The film, inspired by Bengaluru’s underworld, was a commercial hit, with its song Muddagi Neenu, sung by Sonu Nigam, becoming one of the top Kannada songs of the year. Critics praised Santhosh’s portrayal of an innocent man forced into lawlessness, noting that he had “grown as a performer.” The film was later dubbed into Hindi as Daada ka Vaada, expanding his reach beyond Karnataka.
His other notable works include the 2012 romantic drama Olavina Ole, which tackled the sensitive theme of honour killings and earned praise for his chemistry with co-star Neha Patil, and the 2013 action film Janma, where he played Kanteerava, a character caught in a family conflict over love. His final major role was in the 2017 action romantic thriller Kariya 2, a spiritual sequel to his father’s 2003 hit Kariya. Produced under Santosh Enterprises and starring Mayuri Kyatari, Ajay Ghosh, and Sadhu Kokila, Kariya 2 received an IMDb rating of 7.1 and was lauded for Santhosh’s compelling performance. He also appeared in the 2024 film Sathyam and was part of Berklee, directed by Sumant Kranthi, alongside Charan Raj and Simran Natekar.
Battle with Jaundice and Tragic Demise
Santhosh had been battling jaundice for several weeks before his condition worsened, leading to his admission to Sagar Apollo Hospital in Kumaraswamy Layout, Bengaluru. According to reports, the infection spread rapidly, causing severe liver and kidney complications. Despite initial signs of improvement, he was readmitted to the ICU after slipping into a coma. On August 5, 2025, at approximately 9:45 AM, Santhosh succumbed to his illness, despite intensive medical efforts. His untimely death at such a young age has left the Kannada film industry mourning the loss of a rising star.
The tragedy is compounded by the fact that Santhosh’s family had already suffered a significant loss with the death of his father, Anekal Balaraj, in a hit-and-run accident in 2022. Anekal was a respected producer known for blockbuster films like Kariya, Kariya 2, and Jackpot. Santhosh, who remained unmarried, lived with his mother and is survived by her and a younger sister.
Industry and Fan Reactions
The news of Santhosh’s passing sent shockwaves through Sandalwood and beyond. Fans took to social media to express their grief, with one X user writing, “Ganapa movie fame Santhosh Balraj has passed away at the age of 34. He was a sensation of the industry at once. RIP Sir.” Another posted, “RIP Santhosh Balraj. Bro gave two good movies and left.” The Kannada film community, including actors, directors, and producers, mourned the loss of a talent whose career was poised for greater heights.
Santhosh’s death also coincided with another loss in Indian cinema, as Malayalam actor Shanavas, son of legendary actor Prem Nazir, passed away at 71 on August 4, 2025, due to heart and kidney ailments. The back-to-back tragedies have cast a somber mood over the regional film industry.
Understanding Jaundice and Its Risks
Jaundice, the condition that led to Santhosh’s death, occurs when bilirubin, a yellow pigment, builds up in the blood, often due to liver dysfunction. While treatable in many cases, severe jaundice can lead to complications like liver or kidney failure if not managed properly. Santhosh’s case highlights the importance of early medical intervention and monitoring for chronic illnesses. Fans and health experts alike have urged greater awareness about liver health, with one report noting, “Understanding Jaundice: Can it be fatal like in Santhosh Balaraj’s case?”
A Lasting Legacy
Santhosh Balaraj’s career, though brief, left an indelible mark on Kannada cinema. His intense screen presence, versatility, and dedication to his craft earned him a loyal fanbase and respect within the industry. Films like Ganapa and Kariya 2 showcased his ability to portray complex characters, from romantic leads to gritty anti-heroes. His work under his father’s production banner carried forward the family’s legacy in Sandalwood, contributing to the industry’s rich storytelling tradition.
As tributes pour in, Santhosh is remembered not only for his on-screen achievements but also for his humility and passion for cinema. The Kannada film industry mourns the loss of a promising star whose potential was cut short, but his performances will continue to resonate with audiences.
Conclusion
The untimely passing of Santhosh Balaraj at 34 is a profound loss for the Kannada film industry and his fans. His journey from a debutant in Kempa to a celebrated actor in Ganapa and Kariya 2 showcased his talent and promise. As Sandalwood grieves, Santhosh’s legacy lives on through his films and the memories he created. His story also serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of health awareness. Rest in peace, Santhosh Balaraj—your contributions to Kannada cinema will not be forgotten.
Sources: The Economic Times, India TV, Hindustan Times, The Hindu, Times of India, Business Standard, Mint, The Indian Express, Oneindia News, News18, Free Press Journal, India.com, Mathrubhumi, Wionews, The Federal, Moneycontrol, Indiaforums, Wikipedia
