Santhakumari, the mother of Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, passed away on Tuesday at the family residence in Elamakkara, Kochi. She was 90 years old and had been dealing with prolonged health issues, remaining bedridden for some time, according to family sources.
Originally from Elanthoor in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district, Santhakumari later moved to Thiruvananthapuram following her husband Viswanathan Nair’s professional commitments. Nair served as the Law Secretary to the Kerala government and was a respected civil servant until his death. For most of her life, Santhakumari lived at the family home in Thiruvananthapuram.
After suffering a stroke in later years, she was brought to Kochi by Mohanlal so that she could stay closer to him and receive care under his supervision. She celebrated her 90th birthday on August 10, 2025, in Kochi, surrounded by family members.
Mohanlal often spoke publicly about the deep bond he shared with his mother. When he returned to Kochi after receiving India’s highest cinematic honor, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the first person he met was Santhakumari. Earlier this year, on Mother’s Day, the actor shared a nostalgic photograph of the two together, accompanied by a simple yet emotional caption that resonated with fans.
Santhakumari’s elder son, Pyarelal, passed away in 2000, a loss the family endured quietly. Despite personal hardships, she was known within the family for her resilience, warmth, and unwavering support for her loved ones.
During the nationwide lockdown in 2020, Mohanlal had spoken candidly about his mother in an interview, expressing sadness at being physically away from her. Turning 60 that year, he described the period as a rare pause in his otherwise demanding career and spoke about staying connected with her through daily video calls.
In the same conversation, Mohanlal reflected on the values he learned from his mother, particularly her devotion to caring for his father during his illness. He credited her with shaping his outlook on compassion, relationships, and the importance of seeking out good people in life.
Santhakumari’s passing comes just days after the release of Mohanlal’s film Vrusshabha on December 25, 2025. Tributes from fans and members of the film industry are expected as the veteran actor mourns a deeply personal loss.
