Kannada actor Santhosh Balaraj passes away aged 34

Kannada actor Santhosh Balaraj passed away at the age of 34 on Tuesday after complications arising from Jaundice, which he was fighting for the past few months. His condition worsened despite medical treatment.

Balaraj breathed his last at around 9:45 am while admitted to the ICU of a private hospital in Bengaluru. The news has sent shockwaves through the Kannada film industry and among fans who saw Santhosh as one of Sandalwood’s promising stars.

Balaraj was the son of popular film producer Anekal Balaraj, who produced the 2003 hit 'Kariya' starring Darshan. He had died in a road accident in 2022.


Santhosh Balaraj, who was unmarried, lived with his mother and continued to build on his father's legacy in the industry.

Balaraj became popular in an action thriller film 'Ganapa' which earned Santhosh Balaraj immense popularity. The film hit theatres in 2015 and was directed by Prabhu Srinivas. The movie was a superhit and shared a similar plot to that of the Kannada superhit film 'Kariya'.

He also earned praise for his performance in the 2012 romantic drama film 'Olavine Ole'. The film featured Neha Patil in the female lead and the story revolved around the theme of honour killings.

In the year 2013, Santhosh played the lead character Kanteerava in the film 'Janma' which was directed by Chakravarthi. The movie received praise for it's plot which revolves around Kanteerava who falls in love with Kaveri and the conflict happens when both of their families oppose their relationship.