Santhosh K Nayar, last seen in Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam, passed away on 5 May, following a road accident in Adoor, Kerala.
According to reports, Nayar was travelling with his wife, Shubhashree, when their car collided with a lorry in Adoor. He was rushed to a private hospital, where he reportedly suffered a heart attack while undergoing treatment and later succumbed to his injuries. Shubhashree sustained serious injuries in the accident and is currently undergoing treatment.
A prominent face in Malayalam cinema for over four decades, Nayar began his acting career in 1982 with P. G. Viswambharan’s Ithu Njangalude Katha. Over the years, he appeared in more than 100 films across a wide range of roles — as a villain, comedian, supporting actor in several films and serials. His versatility across commercial cinema and television made him a familiar and enduring presence for Malayalam audiences across generations.
His most recent film, Bharathnatyam 2: Mohiniyattam has been directed by Krishnadas Murali and marks his final on-screen appearance. The film follows a family’s trip to settle affairs for their late father’s second family which brings out several secrets while testing their bonds and morality in the process of securing their future. It was released in theatres on April 10 and serves as a sequel to Bharathanatyam (2024). It will begin streaming on Netflix from May 8.
Among his other notable works include, Ramasimhan’s 1921: Puzha Muthal Puzha Vare and Chandrolsavam, in which he appeared alongside Mohanlal. Nayar also shared a long personal association with Mohanlal, dating back to their college years at MG College in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, where the two were contemporaries. Nayar pursued a BSc in Mathematics while Mohanlal studied Commerce. Mohanlal later became his senior as Nayar briefly left his studies to pursue engineering before returning to complete his degree.