Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, May 9: Malayalam cinema lost a familiar and long-standing presence with the passing of Santhosh Nair (65), who died on Tuesday following a road accident near Enathu at Adoor in Pathanamthitta district.
The accident took place around 6:30 a.m. on the MC Road when the car he was travelling in with his wife reportedly lost control and collided with a parcel lorry.
He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, but succumbed to a heart attack while undergoing treatment. His wife, Shubhashree, and the lorry driver sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical care.
With his death, the Malayalam film industry has lost an actor known for his versatility and long-standing contribution to cinema, along with a close associate of superstar Mohanlal.
Santhosh Nair shared a long association with Mohanlal dating back to their student days at MG College in Thiruvananthapuram. He was Mohanlal’s junior in college and was known for his active participation in campus cultural activities, including editing the college magazine and taking part in youth festivals.
He made his film debut in 1982 with Ithu Njangalude Katha directed by P.G. Viswambharan and went on to appear in over 100 films. Over the years, he established himself as a dependable character actor, performing roles ranging from villainous characters to comedy and supporting roles.
His notable performances include roles in films such as Irupatham Noottandu, where he was appreciated for his strong screen presence and adaptability.
After a brief break in the late 1990s due to personal reasons, he returned to films and continued working steadily in the industry for several decades. His most recent film, Mohiniyattam, is currently running in theatres.
Born on November 12, 1960, in Thiruvananthapuram to C.N. Kesavan Nair and P. Rajalakshmi Amma, Santhosh was also active in student politics during his early years. Known among colleagues for his friendly nature and strong personal bonds, he remained a well-liked figure both inside and outside the film industry until his final days.