Who is Santosh Balaraj? Actor who was found dead at 34

Tragedy has struck the Kannada film industry with the sudden demise of actor Santhosh Balaraj, who passed away at the age of 34. He breathed his last at a private hospital where he was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit. According to reports from Asianet News, the actor had been battling jaundice and his condition worsened during treatment, leading to his death.

Santhosh was the son of renowned producer Anekal Balraj, a respected name in Sandalwood. He began his acting journey back in 2009 with the film Kempa, where he played the lead alongside actors like Avinash, Ruchita Prasad, and Pradeep Singh Rawat. The film marked his entry into the Kannada film world and set the tone for what many thought would be a promising career.

Over the years, Santhosh appeared in several Kannada-language films and became best known for his role in Kariya 2, a gangster drama that was produced by his father under the Santosh Enterprises banner. The film not only featured Santhosh in a stylish new avatar but also starred Ajay Ghosh, Mayuri Kyatari, Sadhu Kokila, and Nagesh Karthik. Kariya 2 currently holds a 7.1 rating on IMDb and is still remembered fondly by fans of the genre.

His other notable works include Ganapa, which released in 2015 and received praise for its raw depiction of Bengaluru's underworld. He was also part of Sathyam, a 2024 release, and had reportedly worked on Sumant Kranthi's film Berklee, which includes actors Charan Raj, Simran Natekar, and Raja Balwadi in important roles.

Santhosh was reportedly taken to Sagar Apollo Hospital in Kumaraswamy Layout, Karnataka, where his condition deteriorated. Sources claim he did not respond to the treatment being provided, which ultimately led to his passing.

What makes this loss even more tragic is the fact that Santhosh's father, Anekal Balraj, had also passed away recently. The veteran producer lost his life in a road accident on May 15, 2025, in Bengaluru. Known for backing hit films like Kariya, Kariya 2, and Jackpot, Balraj had been an influential figure in shaping Santhosh's career.

Interestingly, despite being a star kid, Santhosh led a fairly private life. To the shock of many, he was not married and lived with his mother following his father's untimely death. The double loss has left fans and industry insiders shaken.

In a strange coincidence, another regional cinema veteran, Malayalam actor Shanavas, also passed away around the same time. The 71-year-old actor, who was the son of the legendary Prem Nazir, died on Monday night while undergoing treatment for heart and kidney issues, according to Manorama Online.

While Shanavas belonged to a different film industry, the double blow has added a somber note to this week for Indian cinema. Fans have flooded social media with tributes and memories, grieving the loss of two actors who came from prominent film families.

Santhosh's journey was still in motion and his untimely passing leaves behind unanswered questions and unfulfilled dreams. With a lineup of films that showed promise, his career was on a path that many believed could bring him into the spotlight in a big way.

As fans remember his screen presence and style, industry colleagues have been expressing shock and sorrow. The combination of illness, lack of effective treatment, and recent personal loss may have been too heavy a burden to bear.

The Kannada film world has not just lost an actor. It has lost a legacy in the making.

More updates on the cremation and official statements from the family are awaited. Until then, Santhosh Balaraj’s films remain a reminder of a talent gone too soon.

Which was your favorite Santhosh Balaraj performance? Let us know in the comments below.