The Malayalam film industry is mourning the loss of veteran actor Santhosh K. Nair, who passed away on Tuesday morning, May 5, 2026. The 65-year-old actor died following a tragic road accident in Pathanamthitta, Kerala.
The incident occurred near Enathu, Adoor, when the car in which the actor was traveling collided with a lorry. Although he was rushed to a private hospital in Adoor for urgent medical care, he suffered a heart attack while undergoing treatment and succumbed to his condition. His wife, Shubhashree, was also in the vehicle and sustained injuries in the mishap; she is currently receiving medical attention.
A Versatile Career
Santhosh K. Nair was a familiar face in Kerala cinema for over four decades. He made his acting debut in 1982 with the film Ithu Njangalude Katha. Throughout his extensive career, he portrayed a wide range of characters, including villains, lead roles, supporting actors, and comedic parts.
Beyond his filmography, which spans more than 100 films, he was also a recognizable presence on the small screen. His most recent on-screen appearance was in the film Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam, which was released in April 2026.
Early Life and Connections
Born on November 12, 1960, in Thiruvananthapuram, Santhosh Kesavan Nair grew up in an academic family. He pursued higher studies in mathematics at Mahatma Gandhi College. Interestingly, he shared a personal connection with superstar Mohanlal; the two were contemporaries at the same college. During interviews, the late actor fondly recalled their shared history, noting that although they were nearly the same age, Mohanlal became his senior due to a brief break Santhosh took from his studies.
His sudden passing is a significant loss to his colleagues, family, and the many fans who appreciated his impactful performances over the years.