The Malayalam film industry is grieving the loss of veteran actor Santhosh K. Nair, who passed away on Tuesday morning, May 5, 2026, following a tragic road accident in Pathanamthitta, Kerala. He was 65.

The accident took place near Enathu in Adoor, when the car he was traveling in collided with a lorry. He was immediately rushed to a private hospital in Adoor for treatment, but reportedly suffered a heart attack while undergoing medical care and could not be saved. His wife, Shubhashree, who was also in the vehicle, sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment.

Santhosh K. Nair had a long and diverse career spanning more than four decades in Malayalam cinema. He made his debut in 1982 with the film Ithu Njangalude Katha and went on to appear in over 100 films. Known for his versatility, he portrayed a wide range of roles, including villains, lead characters, supporting roles, and comedic performances. He was also a familiar face on television.

His most recent appearance was in Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam, released in April 2026.

Born on November 12, 1960, in Thiruvananthapuram, Santhosh Kesavan Nair came from an academically inclined family. He studied mathematics at Mahatma Gandhi College, where he was a contemporary of superstar Mohanlal. In interviews, he often spoke about their college days, noting that although they were nearly the same age, Mohanlal became his senior after Santhosh took a short break from his studies.

His sudden demise marks a profound loss to the Malayalam film fraternity and to audiences who admired his memorable performances over the years.