Kannada Star, Santhosh Balaraj Passes Away At 34 Due To Jaundice, Was In Coma After Organ Failure

In a piece of tragic news, Kannada star, Santhosh Balaraj passed away on August 5, 2025, at 9.30 a.m. at Apollo Hospital located in Kumaraswamy Layout, Bengaluru. The late actor, aged 34, passed away because of liver and kidney issues that led to an extreme level of jaundice. Santhosh was admitted to the hospital a month ago and was also undergoing treatment for his issue. He again got readmitted after his condition worsened and was taken to the intensive care unit. Santhosh had contracted jaundice because of the kidney and liver complications.

Santhosh Balaraj had slipped into a coma

Santhosh's health worsened when his kidney and liver issues aggravated, and as per an India TV report, he slipped into a coma and also had organ failure. Santhosh was the son of famous film producer, Anekal Balaraj, who is best known for bankrolling the 2003 hit movie, Kariya. It had Darshan in a lead role. It was in 2022 when Anekal passed away in a road accident, and after the demise of his dad, Santhosh did not get married and stayed with his mom.

The late actor was known for his intense roles in movies such as Kariya 2, Kempa, Ganapa, Berkeley, and Satya. Santhosh's father, Anekal, was a respected man in the south film industry. Santhosh got a big break when he played the role of 'Ganapa', which gave him a lot of fame for essaying a gritty as well as realistic character.

Santhosh Balaraj left behind his mother, and showed no signs of improvement

Santhosh has left behind his old mother all alone after he breathed his last at a private hospital. His role in Ganapa, 2015, which was directed by Prabhu Srinivas, is yet etched on the memories of fans. The song named Muddagi Neenu, which was crooned by Sonu Nigam, became a rage in the film. Santhosh's mother lost her husband earlier, and now, again, tough times have come on her after the loss of her son. Santosh's dad was also a great producer and had produced the blockbuster movie, Kariya. Darshan and Prem directed the gangster movie, which showcased the real underworld dons in Bengaluru.

Santhosh did not expect that being admitted for jaundice would lead him to his end. The late actor did not show any sign of recovery and slowly, steadily, his condition became critical. He had received the best treatment in the ICU of the private hospital, but despite the same, his organs failed and he was unable to recover from coma. Santhosh was also seen in the sequel of Kariya, which also had Mayuri Kyatari. Kariya 2 got released back in 2017.

Santhosh Balaraj's fame in the south industry was unmatched

On the work front, Santhosh stepped into the acting industry with the movie Kempa back in 2009. Santhosh was then seen in two more movies, Olavina Ole in 2012 and Janma in 2013. Santosh received appreciation for his performance in the romantic movie, Olavina Ole, that also had Neha Patil playing an essential female lead. The movie revolved around the sensitive subject of honour killing in India. However, Santhosh came into the limelight when he achieved success with Ganapa- something he did not expect in his career. The plot of the movie was similar to that of Kariya, which was produced by his late dad.

Team BollywoodShaadis offers condolences to the family of Santhosh Balaraj.

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