The Malayalam film industry and its legion of fans are sharing in the grief of legendary actor Mohanlal, who lost his mother, Santhakumari Amma, on December 30, 2025. She was 90 years old. The matriarch, whose quiet presence and unwavering support shaped the early life and career of one of Indian cinema's most revered stars, passed away in Kochi after battling age-related ailments.
A Mother's Shock at Her Son's Screen Debut
In a poignant recollection from an old interview, Mohanlal once shared a memorable incident that highlighted his mother's deep investment in his life. When his debut film, 'Manjil Virinja Pookkal', released in 1980, his parents were among the first-day audience. The actor, in an article by Bhanuprakash for Mathrubhumi, narrated how his mother reacted to seeing him play the negative character, Narendran.
"As my scenes appeared on screen, women sitting nearby would say, 'Oh no, Kaalan is coming.' Hearing that, my mother's heart would truly shudder," Mohanlal recalled. His father was equally disturbed by the portrayal. Despite their initial shock, the actor always viewed the role as a divine blessing, a character that propelled him into the vast world of cinema and laid the foundation for his iconic journey.
The Fateful Audition That Started It All
The path to that defining role was not meticulously planned. After finishing his degree, Mohanlal admitted he had no clear roadmap for the future. A plan to make a Tamil film had collapsed. Hope emerged from a simple newspaper advertisement from Navodaya Studio, calling for new faces.
Even after applying, doubts plagued him. "Even when I saw the photographs, I doubted myself," he confessed. However, fate had other plans. A telegram arrived promptly after the application was sent, calling him for an audition. It was there that his confidence solidified. Mohanlal has always maintained that directors Fazil and Jijo made no mistake in selecting him for the villain's role, a decision that marked the beginning of an unparalleled legacy.
Remembering Santhakumari Amma
Santhakumari Amma had been under medical care for some time and was residing at Mohanlal's residence in Kochi. She was moved to the city after suffering a stroke earlier. Her final rites were conducted in Thiruvananthapuram.
For decades, Mohanlal has spoken about the virtues of destiny, patience, and quiet faith—values undoubtedly instilled and reflected in the life of his mother. While the actor's professional achievements are public knowledge, the personal loss of the woman who stood behind his legendary journey marks a profound moment of sorrow for him, his family, and countless admirers who have followed his life and career.
