The Kannada film industry is currently in a state of deep mourning as actor Santosh Balraj passed away on 5 August 2025 at the age of just 34. The actor breathed his last at a private hospital in Bengaluru, after battling jaundice for several weeks.
According to media reports, Santosh’s health was steadily worsening. The jaundice infection had spread quickly throughout his body. Despite being admitted to the ICU, his condition showed no improvement. He passed away on Tuesday at 9:45 AM.
Santosh Balraj was the son of renowned Kannada producer Anekal Balraj, who made action films like Kariya, Jackpot and Kariya 2. His father had passed away in May 2022, at the age of 64, after suffering a severe head injury in a tragic road accident. Anekal was reportedly hit by a speeding motorbike while crossing the road after using an ATM. The rider fled the scene, and the injury eventually proved fatal.
Santosh’s untimely death, three years after his father’s demise, has shocked his fans and the film industry. He was unmarried and was living with his mother.
He made his acting debut in 2009 with his father’s film ‘Kempa’. The action thriller also featured Sai Dhanshika, Pradeep Rawat and Avinash. He then worked in films like ‘Olavina Ole’ and ‘Janma’, of which ‘Janma’ received critical acclaim.
However, he gained wider recognition with the gangster drama ‘Ganapa’ in which he played the lead role. His last film was ‘Kariya 2’, a standalone sequel to the 2003 superhit film ‘Kariya’ starring Darshan Thoogudeep in the lead role.
