Mohanlal’s mother Santhakumari dies at 90 in Ernakulam

Malayalam film superstar Mohanlal is mourning the loss of his mother, Santhakumari, who passed away on Tuesday, December 30, at the age of 90. She died at her residence in Elamakkara, located in Kerala’s Ernakulam district. Family members confirmed that her funeral is expected to take place later in the day.

Santhakumari was surrounded by her family during her final moments. Mohanlal, who was in Kochi at the time, rushed home as soon as he received the news of her passing. The news has brought sadness to the film industry and among fans, who have expressed their condolences to the actor and his family.

A life rooted in family and simplicity

Santhakumari was originally from Elanthoor village in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. She later moved to Thiruvananthapuram with her family because of her husband Viswanathan Nair’s professional responsibilities. Nair was a senior bureaucrat and had served as the law secretary to the Kerala government. He passed away earlier.

For most of her life, Santhakumari lived in the family home in Thiruvananthapuram. She led a quiet and simple life, staying away from the public spotlight despite being the mother of one of India’s most celebrated actors. Those close to the family have often described her as gentle, caring, and deeply devoted to her children.

In recent times, her health had declined after she reportedly suffered a stroke. Following this, Mohanlal brought her to Ernakulam so she could receive better medical care and stay close to him. She spent her final days at his residence in Elamakkara.

Santhakumari was the mother of two sons. Mohanlal is her younger son, while her elder son, Pyarelal, passed away in the year 2000. The loss of her elder son was a major personal tragedy for the family, and Santhakumari remained a strong emotional support for her loved ones through difficult times.

It has been reported that her mortal remains are likely to be taken to Thiruvananthapuram later in the day, where the family has strong roots. Further details about the funeral rites are expected to be shared by the family.

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Mohanlal’s bond with his mother

Mohanlal shared a very close and affectionate relationship with his mother. He often spoke about her with love and respect in interviews and public appearances. Despite his busy schedule and long career in cinema, he made it a point to spend time with her whenever possible.

After Mohanlal received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest honour in cinema, one of the first things he did after returning to Kochi was visit his mother. This gesture was widely appreciated and highlighted the strong bond they shared.

Earlier this year, on Mother’s Day, Mohanlal had shared an old photograph of himself with Santhakumari on social media. The post reflected their deep emotional connection and received warm responses from fans and fellow celebrities.

Many people from the film industry and political circles have expressed their condolences. Kerala BJP State General Secretary Sobha Surendran also paid tribute to Santhakumari. In a post on X, written in Malayalam, she conveyed her condolences to Mohanlal and his family, acknowledging the loss.

Fans of Mohanlal have also taken to social media to express their grief and support. Many described Santhakumari as the guiding force behind the actor’s success and praised her for raising a son admired by millions.

On the professional front, Mohanlal was most recently seen in the epic fantasy action drama Vrusshabha. Despite personal grief, the actor is known for his dedication to his work and his grounded nature.

Mohanlal is married to Suchitra, the daughter of late producer K Balaji. The couple has two children, Pranav and Vismaya. The family has requested privacy as they mourn the loss of a beloved mother and grandmother.

Santhakumari’s passing marks the end of a quiet yet meaningful life, deeply rooted in family values. While she stayed away from the limelight, her influence on Mohanlal’s life and values remains undeniable. Her memory will live on through her family and the countless admirers of her son, who continue to stand by him during this difficult time.