Remembering Santhosh Balaraj: A Rising Star Gone Too Soon
A Sudden Farewell: Kannada Actor Santhosh Balaraj Dies at 34
On August 5, 2025, the Kannada film industry lost one of its rising stars — Santhosh Balaraj, who passed away at just 34 years old. He succumbed to complications caused by jaundice, despite intensive care at a private hospital in Bengaluru. His untimely death has shocked fans and film industry peers alike.
From Debut to Stardom: Santhosh Balaraj’s Career Highlights
Santhosh, son of well-known Kannada film producer Anekal Balaraj, made his debut in 2009 with Kempa. Over the next 15 years, he carved a niche for himself, primarily in gritty, action-packed roles. He gradually ventured into more experimental storytelling.
Notable Films
-
Kempa – Debut role
-
Ganapa – His breakthrough performance
-
Kariya 2 – A sequel produced by his family’s banner
-
Berklee – A stylish revenge drama
-
Sathyam – A supernatural thriller
Tragedy Strikes: Health Issues and Final Moments
The Illness
Santhosh had been battling jaundice in the weeks leading up to his passing. The disease progressed quickly, leading to organ failure. Despite ICU care and ventilator support at Sagar Apollo Hospital, doctors were unable to revive him.
Medical Timeline Overview
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Late July 2025 | Diagnosed with severe jaundice; hospitalized |
| Early August | Health deteriorated; transferred to ICU |
| August 5, 2025 | Passed away at ~9:45 AM IST |
Legacy and Loss: Family, Films, and Future Unfulfilled
Santhosh was not only a talented actor but also a second-generation film personality, following in the footsteps of his father. After Anekal Balaraj’s accidental death in 2022, Santhosh continued the family’s cinematic contributions with both acting and production ventures.
Facts About Santhosh Balaraj
-
Born: Bangalore, Karnataka
-
Career span: 2009–2025
-
Specialization: Action, gangster, and thriller genres
-
Shift in career: Recent roles explored supernatural and emotional drama
-
Family: Son of late producer Anekal Balaraj; lived with his mother
-
Cause of death: Jaundice-related complications
-
Marital status: Unmarried
Career Recap: Santhosh Balaraj’s Filmography
| Year | Film Title | Genre | Role Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Kempa | Action/Drama | Debut; rowdy character |
| 2015 | Ganapa | Crime/Thriller | Underworld-based; critically praised |
| 2017 | Kariya 2 | Action | Gangster sequel; produced by father |
| 2023 | Berklee | Revenge Drama | Stylish action hero |
| 2024 | Sathyam | Supernatural | College student; genre experiment |
Quick Take: What You Need to Know
-
Santhosh Balaraj passed away on August 5, 2025, aged 34
-
Cause of death: Complications from jaundice
-
Known for gritty and underworld-themed roles
-
Recently shifted to emotionally and thematically diverse films
-
Son of Kannada producer Anekal Balaraj
-
Not married; lived with mother
Final Thoughts: A Star That Could Have Shined Brighter
The tragic death of Santhosh Balaraj has left a void in Sandalwood. With a strong film lineage and an evolving portfolio, he showed signs of branching out beyond formulaic roles. His final films, Sathyam and Raw, were clear indicators of a shift toward more layered characters.
As tributes pour in across social media and news platforms, fans remember him for his intensity on-screen and humility off-screen. While the Kannada industry mourns, his films will stand as a reminder of a promising journey cut short far too early.
