Who is Baiju Santhosh?
Baiju Santhosh, often known simply as Baiju, is a renowned Indian actor in the Malayalam film industry. With a career spanning over four decades and more than 300 films to his credit, Baiju has built a strong reputation for his versatility, especially in supporting and comedic roles. From his early days as a child artist to becoming one of the most dependable character actors, Baiju’s journey is one of persistence, transformation, and relevance.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Baiju Santhosh Kumar
|
| Popular Name | Baiju Santhosh |
| Date of Birth | 1970 (exact date not publicly confirmed) |
| Age (as of 2025) | Approx. 55 years |
| Birthplace | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India |
| Current Residence | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Profession | Film Actor (Malayalam cinema) |
| Years Active | 1981 – present (over 40 years) |
| Debut Film (Child Artist) | Maniyanpilla Adhava Maniyan Pillai (1981) |
| Comeback as Adult Actor | Sthreedhanam |
| Notable Films | Puthan Panam, Mera Naam Shaji, RDX, Minnal Murali |
| Languages Spoken | Malayalam, English |
| Marital Status | Married to Ranjitha Santhosh |
| Children | Daughter – R. Aishwarya (Doctor), Son – Loknath |
| Parents | Bhaskaran Nair (father), Thankamma (mother) |
| Hobbies & Interests | Reading, watching classic Malayalam films, family time |
| Favorite Actor | Mohanlal (close industry associate) |
| Controversies | Arrested for drunk driving (Oct 2024), denied dispute with Mohanlal (2025) |
| Personality Traits | Humble, humorous, down-to-earth, candid |
| Signature Acting Style | Comic timing, expressive dialogue delivery |
| Social Media | Active on Instagram & Facebook |
Early Life and Background
Baiju was born in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Passionate about acting from a young age, he began his cinematic journey at just 10 years old, making his debut in the 1981 Malayalam film Maniyanpilla Adhava Maniyan Pillai, directed by Balachandra Menon. His family supported his early interest in the performing arts, which helped shape his future in the industry.
Baiju Santhosh Education
While Baiju pursued his career in cinema early, he also completed his schooling and maintained a balance between academics and acting. However, his passion for films ultimately became the driving force in his life.
Baiju Santhosh Career
Child Artist to Comeback Star
Baiju appeared in over a dozen films during the early 1980s as a child actor. After a brief break from acting during his late teenage years, he returned to the screen in adult roles in the 1990s.
Rise in Supporting Roles
Baiju gained attention in films like Mattupetti Machan, Sthreedhanam, and Mazhavil Kavadi, where his comic timing and natural screen presence began to shine. Though often cast in secondary roles, his performances were consistently appreciated.
Peak Popularity
He saw a career revival in the 2010s with movies like Puthan Panam, Ente Mezhuthiri Athazhangal, and Mera Naam Shaji. In Mera Naam Shaji (2019), Baiju played one of the lead roles, marking a rare shift from supporting to protagonist.
Recent Work
Baiju has continued to be relevant in Malayalam cinema with appearances in popular films like Kaduva (2022), RDX (2023), Live (2023), and Garudan (2023). He is one of the few senior actors who maintains steady demand due to his adaptability and charm.
Baiju Santhosh Family
Baiju is married to Ranjitha, and the couple has two children, a daughter, Aishwarya, who is a doctor, and a son, Loknath. Baiju resides in his hometown, Thiruvananthapuram, and often shares glimpses of his family life on social media.
| Relation | Name | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse | Ranjitha Santhosh | Married since 1995 |
| Daughter | R. Aishwarya Santhosh | A doctor by profession |
| Son | Loknath Santhosh | Son |
| Parents | Bhaskaran Nair & Thankamma | He resides with them in Thiruvananthapuram |
Baiju Santhosh Controversies
In October 2024, Baiju made headlines after being involved in a drunk driving incident in Thiruvananthapuram. He was arrested following a minor accident involving a two-wheeler and was released on bail. In 2025, he also dismissed rumors of a verbal altercation with actor Mohanlal at an AMMA meeting, calling them baseless.
Social Media Presence
Baiju remains active on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, where he shares behind-the-scenes moments, family photos, and updates from his film projects.
| Platform | Handle | Followers |
| @baijusanthoshh | ~178K followers | |
| Baiju Santhosh (public) | ~60K likes, 14K+ followers |
Baiju Santhosh Net Worth
Baiju’s net worth is estimated to be around ₹3–4 Crore INR, accumulated through:
| Source | Estimated Value |
| Film earnings (300+ Malayalam films) | ₹2–3 crore (approx. USD 250K–375K) |
| Occasional TV, stage appearances | ₹20–30 lakh (approx. USD 25K–40K) |
| Total Estimated Net Worth | ₹3–4 crore INR (~US $300K) |
These figures are estimated based on industry norms and public data. Exact financial records haven’t been publicly disclosed.
Baiju Santhosh Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | Approx. 5′8″ (173 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 75 kg (165 lbs) |
| Body Type | Average build |
| Hair Color | Black (graying) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Skin Tone | Medium to fair |
| Distinct Features | Expressive face, sharp comic timing |
| Style Preference | Casual traditional (mundu, shirt) or simple formal wear |
Interesting Facts about Baiju Santhosh
- Made his debut at age 10 as a child artist.
- Has acted in over 300 Malayalam films.
- Known for comic and fatherly roles in family dramas.
- Played a lead role in Mera Naam Shaji—a rare hero role in his career.
- Celebrated his daughter’s graduation as a doctor in 2024.
- Stays away from overexposure; chooses quality over quantity.
- Never afraid to speak honestly about the industry.
- Maintains close ties with many veteran Malayalam actors.
FAQs
Q1: When did Baiju start acting?
He began as a child actor in 1981 at the age of 10.
Q2: What kind of roles is Baiju famous for?
He is best known for comedic and supporting roles in Malayalam films.
Q3: Has Baiju played lead roles?
Yes, notably in Mera Naam Shaji (2019).
Q4: What is Baiju’s net worth?
Estimated at ₹3–4 Crore INR.
Q5: Who are Baiju’s family members?
Wife Ranjitha, daughter Aishwarya (doctor), and son Loknath.
Q6: Is Baiju active on social media?
Yes, he shares personal and professional updates regularly.
Q7: Was Baiju ever involved in controversy?
Yes, he faced a drunk driving case in 2024 and denied a rumored dispute with Mohanlal in 2025.
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