Veteran Malayalam actor Santhosh K Nair, known for his presence across villainous and comedic roles, passed away following a road accident in Pathanamthitta on Tuesday morning. He was 65.
The accident occurred around 6.30 am at Enathu, Pathanamthitta, where the car he was travelling in collided with a lorry. His wife, Subhashree, who was with him, also sustained injuries. While undergoing treatment, Santhosh reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest. The lorry driver was injured as well.
Born on November 12, 1960, in Thiruvananthapuram to C N Kesavan Nair and P Rajalakshmi Amma, Santhosh pursued his education at Holy Angels Convent and St Joseph’s Higher Secondary School before completing his pre-degree and degree at Mahatma Gandhi College. During his college years, he was actively involved in student politics and campus cultural activities. He often spoke fondly of his college days with Mohanlal, his contemporary at MG College. Though they were of the same age, Santhosh became Mohanlal’s junior after briefly stepping away from his studies.
Santhosh made his cinematic debut in 1982 with Ithu Njangalude Katha, directed by P G Viswambharan. He quickly gained recognition through a series of notable villain roles in films such as April 18 and Ivide Thudangunnu, which established him as a dependable antagonist during the 1980s. By 1985 alone, he had appeared in nearly 18 films, most of them in negative roles.
Over the years, he built a prominent filmography spanning more than 100 films, transitioning between villain, supporting actor, and comedic roles. Memorable performances include his roles in Yuvajanotsavam, Irupatham Noottandu, Peruvannapurathe Visheshangal, Kadathanadan Ambadi, Vishnulokam, and Oru Abhibhashakante Case Diary. His final appearance was in the recently released hit dark comedy thriller Bharathanathyam 2 Mohiniyattam, headlined by Saiju Kurup and directed by Krishnadas Murali.
Beyond cinema, Santhosh also appeared in several television serials. He is survived by his wife Subhashree, a school teacher, and their daughter, Dr Rajashree S Nair.
