# Dileep Raj

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Indian actor, director and producer (1978–2026)

Dileep Raj Born (1978-09-02)2 September 1978 Bengaluru, Karnataka, India Died 13 May 2026(2026-05-13) (aged 47) Bengaluru, Karnataka, India Occupations Actor television producer director dubbing artist Years active 1997–2026 Spouse Srividya ​ (m. 2001)​ Children 2

**Dileep Raj** (2 September 1978 – 13 May 2026) was an Indian actor, television director and producer known for his work in [Kannada](/source/Kannada) television and cinema. He appeared in 24 films and produced many television serials under his banner DR Creations.

After beginning his career as an actor appearing in television serials, Raj made his film debut with *Boyfriend* (2005). He was noted for his role as an antagonist in *[Milana](/source/Milana_(film))* (2007). Other films he appeared in include *[U Turn](/source/U_Turn_(2016_film))* (2016),[1] *[Orchestra Mysuru](/source/Orchestra_Mysuru)* (2023) and *[Nimma Vasthugalige Neeve Javaabdaararu](/source/Nimma_Vasthugalige_Neeve_Javaabdaararu)* (2025). His final film appearance came in *[Love Mocktail](/source/Love_Mocktail)* (2026).[2] Raj also acted on stage, including a leading role in the play *Treadmill*.[3]

Raj however received recognition for his television work, first as an actor and later as producer and director. With his wife Srividya, he produced *Vidya Vinayaka* (2017) and *[Paaru](/source/Paaru_(Kannada_TV_series))* (2018–2024), and starred in produced *[Hitler Kalyana](/source/Hitler_Kalyana)* (2021–2024). He died from a [heart attack](/source/Heart_attack) on 13 May 2026, aged 47.[2]

## Career

Raj began his acting career on stage. After winning an award at a college fest, he took to amateur theatre.[1] He associated himself with renowned theatre groups such as Nataranga and Drishti. After being intoduced to television by noted actress Nanditha, Raj made his debut with the telefilm *Kambada Mane* in 1997.[4] He then appeared in *Janani* as the grandson of [Bharathi Vishnuvardhan](/source/Bharathi_Vishnuvardhan)'s character. He went on to appear in other television serials such as *Ardha Satya*, *Rangoli*, *Kumkuma Bhagya*, *Mangalya*, *Malebillu*, *Preetigaagi*, and *Rathasapthami*.[5] In *Rathasapthami*, based a true incident, he played Jeevan, a negative-shaded character. Raj called him "...a schemer who goes about harming everyone who comes close to understanding his dubious ways."[1]

Raj's film debut came in 2005, when he was offered a role in *Boyfriend*. The makers had not finalized on who would play the male lead. After the media mistook him as the lead actor, he was offered the role. The film failed to perform commercially.[1] After film roles failed to come his way, Raj returned to television, playing a negative role in *Mangalya*, while also appearing in *Malebillu*. He was then offered the role of the antagonist in *[Milana](/source/Milana_(film))*, with [Puneeth Rajkumar](/source/Puneeth_Rajkumar) and [Parvathy Thiruvothu](/source/Parvathy_Thiruvothu) playing the lead roles. The film was a massive commercial success. However, upon not receiving starring roles, Raj again returned to television after appearing in *[Love Guru](/source/Love_Guru_(2009_film))* (2009) and *[Gaana Bajaana](/source/Gaana_Bajaana)* (2010).[1] Raj was also worked a dubbing artist starting with *[Jogi](/source/Jogi_(2005_film))* (2005).[4] In *[Aa Dinagalu](/source/Aa_Dinagalu)* (2007), he dubbed for [Chethan Kumar](/source/Chethan_Kumar)'s character.[5]

Raj worked as the Fiction Head for [Colors Kannada](/source/Colors_Kannada) in 2015.[6] In 2014, he ventured into television production with his banner DR Creations. Previously, he assisted director Jayanth for the serial *Sahagamana*.[1] Under DR Creations, he produced multiple extended-running television shows for major networks such as *[Colors Kannada](/source/Colors_Kannada)*, *[Star Suvarna](/source/Star_Suvarna)* and *[Zee Kannada](/source/Zee_Kannada)*. His projects combined traditional Kannada cultural elements with contemporary filmmaking methods.[7] Raj became popular for his role in *[Hitler Kalyana](/source/Hitler_Kalyana)*, a serial he also produced.[4]

In 2017, Raj produced the comedy show *Majaa Bharatha*. In its first season, it completed 52 episodes.[4] His final film appearance came in *[Love Mocktail 3](/source/Love_Mocktail_3)*, in which played Sanjay, an advocate.[8] A [micro-series](/source/Micro-series) titled *Love Punch* was his final work as director. It was released following his death in May 2026.[9]

## Personal life and death

Raj married Srividya, an HR professional, in 2001. After a corporate career of 16 years, Srividya quit to join her husband in television production.[10] The couple had two children together: daughters Dhruti and Aditi, both of who have made television appearances.[11]

During a visit to [Goa](/source/Goa) in May 2026, Raj complained of chest discomfort and uneasiness. It was reported that might have had a heart ailment, and that he was planning on getting himself checked upon returning to [Bengaluru](/source/Bengaluru). However, he suffered from a massive [heart attack](/source/Heart_attack) in the early hours of 13 May. He was rushed to a hospital in the city, but efforts to revive him failed and was pronounced dead.[12][13] His last rites were held at his farmhouse near Gunnur, in [Ramanagara](/source/Ramanagara) taluk, as per [Lingayat](/source/Lingayat) traditions, with family members and numerous film and television industry colleagues in attendance.[14]

## Filmography

- *All films are in Kannada, unless otherwise noted.*

Year Title Role Notes 2005 Boyfriend Shiva Nan Love Madtheeya Kiran 2006 7 O' Clock Ajay Guest appearance Mukhamukhi 2007 Sri Kshethra Kaivara Thathayya Kshana Kshana Ananth Milana Hemanth 2008 Neene Neene 2009 Ninagaagi Kaadiruve Love Guru Abhi 2010 Sanchari Kiladi Krishna Gaana Bajaana Kuttappa "Kuttu" Sugreeva Police Quarters Raju [15] 2011 Bhramara I Am Sorry Mathe Banni Preethsona Manthana Panchamrutha Manohar Segment Samarasave Jeevana: Harmonious life Aidondla Aidu Kantha 2012 Kiladi Kitty Challenge Kishore Tri-lingual film (Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil) 2013 Lakshmi Mahanadi Auto Raja Bhairavi Tony Barfi 2014 Crazy Star Nan Life Alli Ramu Mariyade Darlinge Osina Darlinge Telugu film 2015 Minchagi Nee Baralu 2016 U Turn Aditya 2018 Javaa Ambi Ning Vayassaytho Ambi's son Kismath Vinay Neevu Kare Madida Chandadararu Looty 2019 Mahira Kishore 2023 Orchestra Mysuru Naveen Raju 2025 Nimma Vasthugalige Neeve Javaabdaararu Albert 2026 Love Mocktail 3 Sanjay

**As dubbing artist**

- *[Srusti](/source/Srusti_(film))* (2004)

- *[Olave](/source/Olave_(film))* (2005)

- *[Jogi](/source/Jogi_(2005_film))* (2005)

- *[Parichaya](/source/Parichaya)* (2009)

- *[Aa Dinagalu](/source/Aa_Dinagalu)* (2007) for [Chethan Kumar](/source/Chethan_Kumar)

- *[Anthu Inthu Preethi Banthu](/source/Anthu_Inthu_Preethi_Banthu)* (2008) for Aditya Babu

## Television

Year Title Role Notes 2004 Ardha Sathya Mangalya Kumkumabhagya Vivek 2005 Rangoli Aadi 2006 Preeti Illada Mele Kishore 2007 Malebillu Aditya Preetigaagi Manetana 2013 RathaSapthami Jeevan 2013 Purushottama Purushottama 2013 Amma Ninnagagi 2016 Just Maath Maathalli 2017 Majabharata S1 First non-fiction produced[16] Janani 2017 Vidya Vinayaka —N/a Producer 2018 Paaru —N/a 2021–2024 Hitler Kalyana Abhiram Jayshankar "AJ" 2024 Brahmagantu —N/a Director 2025 Vadhu —N/a Producer 2026 Krishna Rukku —N/a Director and producer 2026 Love Punch —N/a Micro-series

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Rediff_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Rediff_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Rediff_1-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Rediff_1-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Rediff_1-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Rediff_1-5) ["Meet Kannada TV's poster boy"](http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/tv-meet-kannada-tvs-poster-boy/20100526.htm). *Rediff*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160910190409/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/tv-meet-kannada-tvs-poster-boy/20100526.htm) from the original on 10 September 2016. Retrieved 22 June 2016.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-thehindu_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-thehindu_2-1) ["Kannada film and television actor Dileep Raj passes away"](https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/kannada-actor-dileep-raj-no-more-heart-attack-47-years-dileep-raj-passes-away-television-actor/article70972517.ece). *The Hindu*. 13 May 2026. Retrieved 15 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Dileep Raj returns to theatre with Treadmill"](http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Dileep-Raj-returns-to-theatre-with-Treadmill/articleshow/26962743.cms). *The Times of India*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325164524/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Dileep-Raj-returns-to-theatre-with-Treadmill/articleshow/26962743.cms) from the original on 25 March 2019. Retrieved 22 June 2016.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ie1_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ie1_4-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-ie1_4-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-ie1_4-3) Jha, Jyoti (13 May 2026). ["Denied work, Dileep Raj was forced to dub; wanted to retire to his farmhouse, will be buried there now"](https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/denied-work-dileep-raaj-was-forced-to-dub-wanted-to-retire-to-his-farmhouse-will-be-buried-there-now-10686719). *The Indian Express*. Retrieved 15 May 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ndtv_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ndtv_5-1) Bopanna, Deepak (13 May 2026). ["Kannada Actor-Producer Dileep Raj Dies Of Heart Attack At 47"](https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/kannada-actor-producer-dilip-raj-dies-at-47-11487183). *NDTV*. Retrieved 15 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Dileep Raj Interview"](https://m.youtube.com/watch?si=WHebHq733esdrSe4&v=AdOvuTf45ao&feature=youtu.be). *YouTube*. Retrieved 15 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Vashisht, Bhumi (13 May 2026). ["Who Was Dileep Raj? 'Milana' Actor Dies At 47 — All About His Family, Career, Personal Life And Net Worth"](https://sundayguardianlive.com/entertainment-news/who-was-dileep-raj-milana-actor-dies-at-47-all-about-his-family-career-personal-life-and-net-worth-191675). *The Sunday Guardian*. Retrieved 15 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Sandalwood mourns Dileep Raj"](https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/sandalwood-mourns-dileep-raj/articleshow/131079343.cms). *Bangalore Mirror*. 14 May 2026. Retrieved 16 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Sharadhaa, A. (18 May 2026). ["Love Punch makers pay tribute to late Dileep Raj"](https://www.cinemaexpress.com/kannada/news/2026/May/18/love-punch-makers-pay-tribute-to-late-dileep-raj). *Cinema Express*. Retrieved 19 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Kirti, Sumedha (13 May 2026). ["Dilip Raj Family: Actor Who Lived For His Wife & Children — And Left Them Weeks Before Their 25th Anniversary"](https://www.news18.com/photogallery/cities/bengaluru-news/dilip-raj-family-actor-lived-for-wife-children-died-weeks-before-25th-anniversary-10089031.html). *News18*. Retrieved 14 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Inside Dileep Raj's family life: Meet wife Srividya, their two daughters and the beautiful world he built beyond stardom"](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/inside-dileep-rajs-family-life-meet-wife-srividya-their-two-daughters-and-the-beautiful-world-he-built-beyond-stardom/articleshow/131057931.cms). *The Times of India*. 13 May 2026. Retrieved 14 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Sharadhaa, A. (13 May 2026). ["Dileep Raj had noticed chest discomfort during Goa trip before sudden demise"](https://www.cinemaexpress.com/kannada/news/2026/May/13/dileep-raj-had-noticed-chest-discomfort-during-goa-trip-before-sudden-demise). *Cinema Express*. Retrieved 14 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Kannada actor Dileep Raj dies of heart attack at 47: Cardio explains why men in their 40s and 50s are most vulnerable"](https://indianexpress.com/article/health-wellness/kannada-actor-dileep-raj-dies-of-heart-attack-at-47-cardio-explains-why-men-in-their-40s-and-50s-are-most-vulnerable-10687277/). *Indian Express*. 13 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Dileep Raj dies at 48: Kannada actor laid to rest at his farmhouse he loved most"](https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/regional-cinema/dileep-raj-dies-at-48-kannada-actor-laid-to-rest-at-his-farmhouse-he-loved-most-2026-05-13-1041006). *India TV News*. 13 May 2026. Retrieved 15 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["*Police Quarters*"](http://www.deccanherald.com/content/44364/police-quarters.html). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180519032458/https://www.deccanherald.com/content/44364/police-quarters.html) from the original on 19 May 2018. Retrieved 22 June 2016. Deccan Herald Retrieved 21 June 2016

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Interview source"](https://m.youtube.com/watch?si=2PY8_lLt37TCRVMa&v=AdOvuTf45ao&feature=youtu.be). *YouTube*.

## External links

- [Dileep Raj](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5798465/) at [IMDb](/source/IMDb_(identifier))

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Dileep Raj](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dileep_Raj) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dileep_Raj?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.