Santhosh Balaraj Death: Kannada Actor Passes Away at 34 Due to Jaundice Complications

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The sudden Santhosh Balaraj death has left the Kannada film industry in shock and grief. The 34-year-old Sandalwood actor, known for his intense and rugged roles, passed away on August 5, 2025, following complications from jaundice caused by liver and kidney issues.

According to reports, Santhosh Balaraj died at around 9:30 AM at Apollo Hospital, Kumaraswamy Layout, Bengaluru, after slipping into a coma. Despite continuous treatment in the ICU for over a month, his organs failed to recover.

Health Struggles Leading to Santhosh Balaraj Death

Santhosh Balaraj had been admitted to the hospital in early July after showing symptoms of jaundice and severe fatigue. Initially, he responded to treatment and showed slight improvement, but his condition worsened after his organs began failing.

Doctors reported that complications related to liver and kidney functions led to organ failure, a rare but fatal outcome of untreated or severe jaundice. He was placed in the ICU, and after slipping into a coma, he never regained consciousness.

Family Background and Personal Life

The Santhosh Balaraj death is an especially heartbreaking moment for his family. Santhosh was the son of late Kannada film producer Anekal Balaraj, who produced successful films like “Kariya” (2003) and “Kariya 2” (2017).

In May 2022, tragedy had already struck the family when Anekal Balaraj died in a road accident in Bengaluru. After his father’s death, Santhosh remained unmarried and lived with his mother, who now mourns the untimely loss of her only son. He also leaves behind a younger sister.

A Look at Santhosh Balaraj’s Film Career

Despite his brief career, Santhosh Balaraj made a strong mark in Kannada cinema. His rugged charm and emotional depth helped him portray action-driven and intense roles.

Filmography highlights include:

• Kempa (2009) – His debut, an action drama produced by his father
• Olavina Ole (2012) – A romantic drama about love and honour killings
• Janma (2013) – Earned praise for its dramatic narrative and strong character arc
• Ganapa (2015) – His breakthrough, a raw action thriller directed by Prabhu Srinivas
• Kariya 2 (2017) – A spiritual sequel to the 2003 hit, cementing his Sandalwood presence
• Berklee (2018) – A film with Charan Raj and Simran Natekar showcasing his versatility
• Sathyam (2024) – His most recent release, adding another title to his growing filmography

Fans particularly remember his performance in “Ganapa”, which showcased his ability to portray gritty and realistic underworld characters, reminiscent of his father’s iconic production “Kariya.”

Tributes Pour in for Santhosh Balaraj

Following the Santhosh Balaraj death, several actors, directors, and fans have shared emotional tributes on social media:

• Actor Darshan expressed: “Gone too soon, Santhosh. Sandalwood will miss your energy and spirit.”
• Director Prabhu Srinivas tweeted: “He was more than an actor; he was like a brother to me. Rest in peace, Ganapa.”
• Fans have flooded Twitter and Instagram with clips from Kariya 2 and Ganapa, calling him a “rising star gone too early.”

Understanding the Cause Behind His Death

The Santhosh Balaraj death is a stark reminder of the dangers of untreated jaundice. Medical experts explain that:

• Jaundice itself is a symptom of liver dysfunction, not a disease.
• It can be caused by hepatitis, gallstones, liver infections, or bile duct blockage.
• Symptoms include yellow eyes, dark urine, pale stools, nausea, and fatigue.
• If left untreated, jaundice can progress to organ failure, which proved fatal in Santhosh’s case.

A Promising Life Cut Short

The Santhosh Balaraj death marks a tragic loss for Sandalwood. He was an actor who carried forward his father’s cinematic legacy and had the potential for a long, successful career. His unexpected demise has not only devastated his family but also left a void in the Kannada film industry.

Fans continue to celebrate his memorable performances in Ganapa and Kariya 2, keeping his cinematic legacy alive.

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