Kannada actor Santhosh Balaraj dies at 34 after suffering from jaundice
Santhosh had slipped into coma
Initially hospitalised for jaundice, Santhosh had shown signs of improvement but was readmitted after his condition deteriorated. Reports earlier this week confirmed that his health had turned critical and that he had slipped into a coma. Despite receiving treatment in the ICU, his organs failed to recover.
About Santhosh Balaraj
Santhosh was known for his intense performances in films such as Kariya 2, Kempa, Ganapa, Berkeley, and Satya. He was the son of late Kannada film producer Anekal Balaraj, a notable figure in the industry. Santosh's breakthrough role came with Ganapa, which earned him recognition for portraying gritty, realistic characters.
His entry into cinema was closely tied to his father's work. His father launched him with Kempa (2009), the Kannada action drama was his debut. The film showcases rural conflict and emotional intensity.
Anekal, who had produced the hit film Kariya starring Darshan, took his son in the film's sequel, Kariya 2, thereby cementing Santosh's place in the industry. The action drama directed by Prabhu Sirinivas was a hard-hitting action thriller, liked by the audience.
Santosh was known for his rugged on-screen presence and ability to portray intense, action-driven characters with depth.
Tragedy had previously struck the family in May 2022, when Anekal Balaraj lost his life in a road accident. He was fatally injured after being struck by a speeding motorbike while crossing the road, suffering a severe head trauma.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Deccan Herald
an hour ago
- Deccan Herald
The enchanting Kunchukkuttan
Pranvav, the treasured Nonu of Amma, the esteemed Kuttu of Papa, and the beloved Kunchu of Appuppa (grandfather), is a mere one and a half years old—a cherished jewel to his mother, a delightful gem to his father, and a revered grandchild to his grandfather. Pranav's father, who was raised in the serene surroundings of Kerala and now works in Bengaluru, sought to marry someone from Hissar (Haryana), and together they settled in Bengaluru. In due time, the young cherub shall be welcomed into a playschool, where he will mingle with companions fluent in Kannada, Tamil, and a plethora of other youthful tongues. As a grandfather and an educator by vocation, I find myself somewhat perplexed about the linguistic trajectory the child is destined to embark the break of each morning, he eagerly rushes to my chamber, gently rousing me from slumber to retrieve the morning newspaper. Though he has yet to master speech fully, he articulates the initials of the Deccan Herald with surprising accuracy, proudly identifying the bold 'D' and 'H' on the front page. Perched upon my lap, he studies the vivid illustrations adorning its pages, then bounds through the house, a joyous whirlwind of his mother attends to his nourishment, he fixates on the television, captivated by certain cinematic tunes from Tamil (such as Kurukku Sirithavale), Malayalam (Unnikale Oru Katha Parayam), and Hindi films (Deewana Hai Ye Mann), alongside Punjabi melodies (Morni Banke). At approximately 10:30 am, following a period of playful interaction with his toys, he is given a bath. Subsequently, we proceed to the car park, where I place him lovingly in his stroller. On every occasion that we go outdoors, he consistently retrieves his shoes on his own. I am perpetually amazed by his remarkable aptitude for operating technology, be it the computer, television, or mobile devices. On occasion, he extends his reach to communicate via WhatsApp with his 'ammai' (pappa's sister) residing in Australia. One might assert, without exaggeration, that he has even sent a photograph of himself, saved on my mobile, to one of my contacts—perhaps knowingly, perhaps the serene evenings, his mother—an enforcement officer currently on childcare leave—escorts him to the nearby park, where he joyfully plays with others of his age. Upon returning home, he takes a refreshing bath, enjoys a wholesome meal, and shares playful moments with his father—an inspector in the income-tax department—before peacefully drifting off to unfolds the picturesque day for a young lad. As a retired gentleman and a widower, this little one brings me profound solace, and I derive immense joy from tending to his needs; the thought of existence devoid of his presence is truly unimaginable.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Versatility guides every script I pick, shares Hrithika Srinivas
Actor Hrithika Srinivas , who was last seen in Out of Syllabus, is currently enjoying a purple patch with her role opposite Kiraj Raj in Jockey 42, directed by Gurutej Shetty .. 'I feel I'm in a good phase of my career. I've always been selective about the roles I take on — I think about what will resonate with the audience and how I can truly bring a character to life,' she shares. 'Hrithika, who is currently shooting for her third Telugu film, believes that growth as an actor comes from constant learning. 'I try to learn from every film I do. When people appreciate my work and give positive feedback, it reassures me that I'm on the right path,' she says. Speaking about juggling work across industries, she says, 'I approach each set with a blank mind, especially since I play very different roles. I don't see much of a difference between Kannada and Telugu — the languages are quite similar. My father's side of the family is connected to Telugu, so it gives me a comforting, home-like feeling to be on the sets of a Telugu film.'
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Russian girl sings Kannada poem with Indian friend in Bengaluru. Viral video leaves internet smiling
Internet reacts Two little girls. Two cultures. One beautiful friendship. A heartwarming video of a Russian girl and her Indian best friend cycling down a Bengaluru street while singing a Kannada children's poem has gone viral, and for all the right reasons. It's the kind of simple, joyful moment that melts the internet—and reminds us how naturally kids embrace language, culture, and each video, posted on Instagram by the Russian girl's mother, shows the pair singing Bannada Hakki ('Colourful Bird')—a popular Kannada poem loved by generations of schoolchildren in Karnataka—as they ride their bikes on the streets of Bengaluru. The two girls have been classmates for over three years, ever since the Russian family moved to India. '3 years in India. Girlfriends – classmates. 3 years of friendship,' the caption read, capturing the bond they've clip also features sweet snapshots of the girls over the years, showing how their friendship has blossomed across the video gained traction online, it was met with a wave of warmth and admiration. Many people praised the young Russian girl for embracing a regional language so lovingly, while others appreciated the parents for encouraging such a meaningful cultural connection. There was also a strong sense of pride from Kannadigas, who welcomed the family into the fold and celebrated the beauty of seeing their language shared with the world. For many, it was a perfect example of what real cultural exchange looks do you think about the viral video?
