Santhosh Balaraj was a promising actor in the Kannada film industry (Sandalwood), known for his intense performances in films like Ganapa and Kariya 2. Born in Bangalore into a film family, he was widely seen as a rising star before his tragic, untimely demise at just 34.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Santhosh Balaraj |
| Profession | Actor (Kannada Cinema) |
| Debut Film | Kempa (2009) |
| Breakthrough Film | Ganapa (2015) |
| Other Notable Films | Olavina Ole, Janma, Kariya 2, Satya, Berklee |
| Father | Anekal Balaraj (Film Producer) |
| Birthplace | Bangalore, Karnataka, India |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Died | August 5, 2025 (age 34) |
| Cause of Death | Jaundice-related liver and kidney failure |
| Place of Death | Bengaluru, Karnataka |
Santhosh Balaraj – Early life
He was the son of respected Kannada film producer Anekal Balaraj, who backed hits like Kariya (2003) and later produced Kariya 2. His father’s influence paved the way for Santhosh’s entry into films. He born and raised in Bangalore, Santhosh grew up immersed in cinema culture, thanks to his father’s legacy.
Santhosh Balaraj – Career
Santhosh Balaraj made his acting debut in 2009 with the action drama Kempa, directed by Jagadish and produced by his father Anekal Balaraj, where he played the lead role alongside Avinash and Pradeep Rawat. In 2012, he gained attention with Olavina Ole, portraying Narasimha in a romantic drama centered around honour killings. The following year, he starred in Janma (2013) as Kanteerava, a character entangled in love and societal conflict. His career-defining moment came in 2015 with Ganapa, a gritty underworld drama that showcased his emotional range and was later dubbed in Hindi as Daada Ka Vaada. In 2017, he played the titular role in Kariya 2, a standalone sequel to his father’s earlier hit, which earned both audience appreciation and critical acclaim. He further expanded his filmography with roles in Satya, Barkley, and Berklee, exploring diverse genres and cementing his presence in Kannada cinema.
Santhosh Balaraj – Personal life
Santhosh Balaraj kept his personal life beautifully private unmarried and residing in Bengaluru with his mother following the tragic death of his father, Anekal Balaraj, in May 2022 after a road accident. Though born into a prominent film family, Santhosh remained grounded, away from media glare and controversies, focusing on his craft rather than public headlines. His quiet life came into the spotlight only after his untimely passing, revealing a gentle, dedicated soul who chose to stay close to his roots and family in times both celebratory and grim.
Santhosh Balaraj – death
Santhosh Balaraj passed away on the morning of August 5, 2025 at around 9:45 am in Bengaluru’s Sagar Apollo Hospital, succumbing to severe complications from **jaundice**, which had escalated into liver and kidney failure despite ICU care. He had been battling the illness for weeks, initially showing signs of improvement before his condition rapidly deteriorated and led to a coma. Despite the medical support, he did not recover.
Official & Industry Statement
While no public statement from his family was released, the Kannada film industry reacted with profound grief, crowded with tributes calling his death a tragic blow to Sandalwood. Media sources described him as one of Kannada cinema’s most promising talents, taken far too soon. His loss resonated deeply among peers and fans, mourning a rising actor whose career was just gathering momentum.
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