Santhakumari, mother of legendary Malayalam actor and Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner Mohanlal, passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, in Kochi. She was 90 years old. The death occurred at the actor’s residence in Elamakkara, Ernakulam district. According to authorities, she had been ailing for some time due to neurological disorders and had been under treatment at Amrita Hospital prior to her passing. Mohanlal, who was in Kochi at the time, rushed home upon receiving the news.
Santhakumari was a native of Elanthoor village in Pathanamthitta district. She later moved to Thiruvananthapuram with her family due to the professional commitments of her husband, the late bureaucrat Viswanathan Nair, who served as the Law Secretary to the Kerala government. For most of her life, she resided at the family home in the state capital before relocating to Ernakulam to be with her son after reportedly suffering a stroke. Her elder son, Pyarelal, predeceased her in the year 2000.
Throughout his illustrious film career, Mohanlal has consistently credited his mother as his source of strength and inspiration. In numerous public speeches and heartfelt social media posts, the superstar has openly expressed his deep love and gratitude for her influence on his life and achievements. Her passing marks a profound personal loss for the actor, who has always highlighted the role of family in his journey to becoming an icon of Indian cinema.
News of Santhakumari’s demise has drawn condolences from across the political and social spectrum. As Mohanlal and his family mourn their loss, fans and well-wishers from Kerala and beyond join them in remembering Santhakumari Amma, whose life and legacy remain intimately woven into the story of one of India’s most beloved actors.
