The Malayalam film industry is mourning the loss of veteran actor Santhosh Nair, who passed away at the age of 65 on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, following a tragic road accident in Kerala.
Santhosh Nair passes away at 65
The actor was involved in a car accident in the early hours of the morning, reportedly around 6:30 AM, when his vehicle collided with a lorry. He was immediately taken to a private hospital in Adoor for treatment. However, he suffered a heart attack during medical care and sadly passed away.
His wife, Shubhashree, who was travelling with him, sustained serious injuries and is currently undergoing treatment.
A versatile career spanning decades
Santhosh Nair was a prominent figure in Mollywood, admired for his versatility across roles—whether as a hero, villain, or comic character. He made his acting debut in 1982 with Ithu Njangalude Katha and went on to appear in over 100 films along with several television projects.
With a career spanning more than four decades, he carved a lasting legacy through his memorable performances and dedication to the craft.
Final appearance and personal connections
His most recent on-screen appearance was in Bharathanatyam 2 Mohiniyattam, which released last month and is expected to premiere on OTT soon.
Santhosh Nair also shared a long-standing connection with superstar Mohanlal, as the two were contemporaries during their college days in Thiruvananthapuram. He was also known to admire Bollywood legend Dharmendra and had publicly expressed grief over his passing last year.
Industry mourns the loss
Following the news of his sudden demise, members of the film fraternity have expressed deep sorrow. Santhosh Nair is remembered not only for his talent but also for his commitment to cinema, remaining active in the industry until his final days.
He is survived by his wife and family.