Trigger warning: This article contains mention of death, which may be triggering for some people.
The Malayalam film industry is mourning the demise of veteran actor Santosh Nair. The 65-year-old artiste passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, after a fatal road accident in the morning in Kerala.
Santosh Nair passes away at the age of 65
We are heartbroken to announce that famous actor Santosh Nair is no more. The senior star left for his heavenly abode today. According to reports, the car in which Santosh was traveling collided with a lorry at around 6.30 am. He was taken to a private hospital in Adoor, where during treatment he unfortunately suffered a heart attack and breathed his last. His wife Shubhashree, who was also in the vehicle, suffered serious injuries and is currently receiving medical care.
For those unaware, Santosh Nair was a versatile talent in Mollywood, known for his ability to seamlessly shift between hero, villain and comic roles. Nair entered the industry in 1982 with the film Ithu Njangalude Katha. His extensive filmography includes over 100 films and a handful of TV shows. In a career spanning over 40 years, he left an indelible mark with his memorable performances.
Her last on-screen appearance is in the film Bharatanatyam 2 Mohiniyattam, which released last month, and is set for an OTT release in the next few days. Interestingly, Santosh shares a special bond with superstar Mohanlal. Both were contemporaries in a college in Thiruvananthapuram. He was also a fan of Dharmendra. So, when the Bollywood actor passed away last year, Nair put up a social media post mourning his passing.
As soon as the news of his sudden demise broke, members of the film fraternity and fans took to social media to express their grief. Santosh is remembered not only as a talented actor but also as a dedicated artiste who remained active in the industry till his last days. He is survived by his wife and family.
Pinkvilla expresses its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Santosh Nair during this difficult time.
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