Santosh Nayar's last film is 'Mohiniyattam'.
Veteran Malayalam actor Santhosh K Nayar killed in road accident
The character actor, known for his versatile roles in over 100 films and his lifelong bond with Mohanlal, passed away after his car collided with a lorry
Malayalam actor Santhosh K Nayar died in a road accident on Tuesday (May 5) in Pathanamthitta, bringing to a sudden end a decades-long career in cinema. He was 65 years old.
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According to the police, Nayar was travelling with his wife, Subhashree, when their car was hit by a lorry around 6.30 am. The impact left the actor critically injured, with his chest hitting the steering wheel. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to a heart attack while undergoing treatment.
His wife sustained a rib fracture and is currently under treatment.
Santhosh’s movie career
Born on November 12, 1960, in Thiruvananthapuram, Santhosh Kesavan Nayar began his film journey in 1982 with Ithu Njangalude Katha. Over the years, he built a reputation as a versatile character actor, appearing in more than 100 films. He was particularly known for his villainous and comic portrayals, often in supporting roles that left a lasting impression.
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Nayar pursued a BSc in Mathematics at Maharaja's College, where actor Mohanlal was also a student at that time. The two shared a long-standing personal connection, with Nayar often recalling their college days in interviews.
Though they were nearly the same age, Mohanlal became his senior after Nayar briefly left his studies to pursue engineering before returning to complete his degree. During his student years, Nayar was also actively involved in politics.
Final appearance
Among his notable films are Dhruvam, Lion and Runway, which showcased his range as a performer.
His final on-screen appearance was in Mohiniyattam, which is currently running in theatres. The film, released on April 10, is a sequel to Bharathanatyam and will start streaming on Netflix from May 8. Directed by Krishnadas Murali, the film follows a family as they navigate a tense situation. The cast includes Suraj Venjaramoodu, Vinay Forrt and Jagadish.