Kannada cinema bids farewell to actor Santhosh Balaraj, who passed away on August 5, 2025, at the young age of 34 due to complications related to jaundice. He died in a private hospital in Bengaluru after being under intensive care. This tragic loss comes just three years after the death of his father, producer Anekal Balaraj, who lost his life in a road accident.
Born in Bangalore in 1990, Santhosh Balaraj carved a niche for himself in the Kannada film industry, also known as Sandalwood. Known for his gritty and intense performances, he became a recognized face with impactful roles in films like Ganapa (2015) and Kariya 2 (2017). These films not only showcased his talent but also positioned him as a promising action hero in the industry.
Jaundice and His Final Battle
Santhosh had been battling jaundice, a condition that began as a health concern but quickly turned severe. His health deteriorated due to liver and kidney complications, and he was admitted to Sagar Apollo Hospital in Bengaluru’s Kumaraswamy Layout. Despite medical efforts and intensive care, his condition worsened, leading to a coma. He succumbed to the illness around 9:30 to 9:45 AM on August 5.
A Brief Look at His Cinematic Journey
Kempa (2009)
Santhosh made his debut in Kempa, an action drama produced under his father’s banner. The film revolved around rural conflict and emotional intensity. While the movie had a moderate impact, it served as an introduction to his acting abilities.
Olavina Ole (2012) and Janma (2013)
He continued to explore his range in Olavina Ole and Janma. Although Olavina Ole didn’t fare well critically, Janma gave him more room to demonstrate his growing skill as an actor.
Ganapa (2015)
Santhosh’s breakout role came with Ganapa, where he portrayed a man drawn into the underworld of Bengaluru. His performance was widely appreciated for its authenticity and depth. The film was later dubbed into Hindi, extending its reach to a broader audience.
Kariya 2 (2017)
This film served as a spiritual sequel to the 2003 hit Kariya. Santhosh played a complex character navigating crime, love, and betrayal. The movie performed well and solidified his reputation as a rising action star in Kannada cinema.
Later Projects
In his later years, Santhosh worked on films such as Berklee, directed by Sumant Kranthi, and Sathyam (2024). He continually chose roles that allowed him to diversify his acting portfolio, resisting being typecast.
Personal Life and Family
Santhosh remained unmarried and resided with his mother in Bangalore. Coming from a film-centric family, his father Anekal Balaraj was a well-known producer responsible for successful films like Kariya, Kariya 2, and Jackpot. After the passing of his father earlier in 2025, Santhosh had taken on the responsibility of continuing his family’s cinematic legacy. His untimely demise now leaves a significant void.
A Closer Look at His Health
Jaundice, often considered a manageable symptom, can signal serious underlying health issues when not treated promptly. In Santhosh’s case, it pointed to significant liver dysfunction. Medical experts suggest that when jaundice escalates to involve liver failure and affects other organs like the kidneys, the condition can quickly become fatal.
Although there were initial signs of improvement, his body eventually gave in to the complications. The exact medical cause, whether hepatitis, autoimmune disease, or something more complex, has not been made public, but it was evident that the condition was far more serious than it initially appeared.
Industry Reaction and Mourning
The news of Santhosh’s death was met with widespread grief in the Kannada film fraternity. Colleagues and fans alike mourned the loss of a dedicated artist. Social media was flooded with tributes that remembered him not only as a capable actor but also as a humble and passionate individual.
The timing of this tragedy, following closely on the heels of his father’s death, made it even more poignant. The Balaraj family, once seen as a pillar in the Kannada film industry, now faces an uncertain future.
Legacy and Unfulfilled Potential
A Career Interrupted
At 34, Santhosh was just coming into his own as a performer. His earlier roles had shown promise, and his more recent work suggested that he was prepared to take on more complex characters. With several rumored projects in the pipeline, the industry was looking forward to his evolution as an actor.
Family Legacy
Santhosh was more than just an actor; he was also seen as the successor to his father’s vision in cinema. His efforts to uphold the family’s production house and support new talent were only just beginning. His death not only ends a budding career but also leaves a gap in the continuity of a family deeply rooted in the film industry.
Conclusion
Santhosh Balaraj’s sudden death is a heartbreaking moment for Kannada cinema. Losing a young, talented actor just as he was hitting his stride is tragic. His contributions to films like Ganapa and Kariya 2 will be remembered for their intensity and authenticity.
His life serves as a reminder of both the fragility of health and the unpredictability of fate. Jaundice may often seem like a minor illness, but as in Santhosh’s case, it can have devastating consequences when compounded by other medical issues.
We extend our deepest condolences to his mother, extended family, and the countless fans and colleagues who admired him. Santhosh Balaraj may be gone, but his performances, filled with passion and depth, will continue to live on in the hearts of moviegoers and his legacy will be remembered in Kannada cinema for years to come.