Actor Salim Kumar was 56.National Award-winning Malayalam actor Salim Kumar passed away in Kochi on Saturday at the age of 56 after suffering a heart attack. He had been admitted to a private hospital earlier in the day after his health deteriorated and was placed on ventilator support.
Also Read – Malayalam actor Salim Kumar dies at 56
A popular theatre and mimicry artiste, Salim Kumar made his film debut with Ishtamanu Nooru Vattam (1997). But he broke through only in the 2000s, particularly with his comic roles in movies.
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Salim Kumar won the Kerala State Film Award for the Second Best Actor for his performance in Lal Jose’s Achanurangatha Veedu (2006), followed by both a National Award and another Kerala State Film Award for his leading role in Salim Ahamed’s 2011 social drama Adaminte Makan Abu, which was also India’s official entry for The Academy Awards in 2011. That defining role is a demonstration of his transition from comedy to serious acting over a 22-year acting career, where he appeared in over 300 films. He also turned director, with his 2017 film Karutha Joothan winning the Best Story at the Kerala State Film Awards.
Salim Kumar is survived by wife Sunitha and their two kids. Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan offered his condolences for the actor, issuing a statement which read, “Salim Kumar was the pride of North Paravur. Born into an ordinary family that faced poverty and hardships, he rose to the pinnacle of Indian cinema by winning the National Award. He was a rare talent who even reached the Oscar nomination stage through his work.”
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Actor Salim Kumar laid to rest
Actor Salim Kumar laid to rest at his residence in Paravur.
'Rahul Gandh's passing is an irreplaceable loss to Indian cinema,' says Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi posted on X, "Salim Kumar ji was a stalwart of the Malayalam film industry. A National Award winner who made millions laugh and moved us with his dramatic depth, his passing is an irreplaceable loss to Indian cinema. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and admirers. I stand with them in this hour of grief."
Salim Kumar (1969-2026): The screen titan who knew the jokes, and whom the jokes knew
Salim Kumar loved humour so much that he consistently ensured that no good joke fell flat or passed by without the recognition it deserved, and his performance was simply a tool for their personification, amplifying their brilliance. Read More Here.
Salim Kumar's funeral set to begin soon
Family, friends and colleagues have gathered at Salim Kumar's residence after his mortal remains were brought home for the final rites.
Indrans, Aparna Balamurali pay their last respects to Salim Kumar
Actors Indrans and Aparna Balamurali pay their last respects to Salim Kumar at Paravur Town Hall.
'Salim Kumar carved a unique place for himself in the world of cinema,' says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, "I express my profound sorrow at the passing of veteran actor Salim Kumar. Through a distinguished acting career marked by diverse roles and unforgettable performances, he carved a unique place for himself in the world of cinema. In this moment of grief, my thoughts are with his family and loved ones."
Kamal shares his earliest memory of Salim Kumar
During an interaction with reporters, filmmaker Kamal said, "The fact that Salim has left us during the monsoon brings back many memories. I saw him for the first time during the monsoon. At that time, Salim used to go from Paravur to Kodungallur to watch movies. After watching one of my films, he came to my house drenched in the rain, telling me he wanted to act in films. That was the time he was in mimicry. After that, he occasionally visited my house after watching films, and that's how our relationship began."
Mathew Thomas, Maala Parvathi pay their last respects to Salim Kumar
Actors Mathew Thomas and Maala Parvathi pay their last respects to Salim Kumar at Paravur Town Hall.
Shaji Kailas, Anna Ben pay their last respects to Salim Kumar
Director Shaji Kailas, actor Anna Ben and screenwriter Benny P Nayarambalam pay their last respects to Salim Kumar at Paravur Town Hall.
I M Vijayan pays his last respects to Salim Kumar
Former India football star I M Vijayan arrives at Paravur Town Hall to pay his last respects to actor Salim Kumar.
Sangeeth Prathap and Anjali Nair pay their last respects to Salim Kumar
Sangeeth Prathap, Sajin Gopu and Anjali Nair pay their last respects to Salim Kumar at Paravur Town Hall.
'Beyond cinema, Salim Kumar was also a good friend of mine,' says Mohanlal
Actor Mohanlal took to Facebook and wrote, "Salim Kumar leaves behind a legacy of memorable characters that made audiences laugh and think at the same time. He was a gifted artiste who went on to win the National Award. He was also a man of genuine affection, always willing to help others and embrace them like family. I had the privilege of acting alongside him in several films. Beyond cinema, Salim Kumar was also a good friend of mine. He always possessed a strong sense of social responsibility, keenly observing societal issues and expressing his views openly. My heartfelt condolences to my dear friend. He will be deeply missed."
Harisree Ashokan pays his last respects to Salim Kumar
Actor Harisree Ashokan arrives at Paravur Town Hall to pay his last respects to actor Salim Kumar.
Kerala Chief Minister pays his last respects to Salim Kumar
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan pays his last respects to actor Salim Kumar at Paravur Town Hall in Ernakulam.
Dileep pays his last respects to Salim Kumar
Actor Dileep, who shared screen space with Salim Kumar in Kalyanaraman, CID Moosa, Thenkasipattanam and Ee Parakkum Thalika, among others, pays his last respects to the actor at Paravur Town Hall in Ernakulam.
Vineeth pays his last respects to Salim Kumar
Actor Vineeth pays his last respects to actor Salim Kumar at Paravur Town Hall in Ernakulam.
Jayasurya pays his last respects to Salim Kumar
Actor Jayasurya pays his last respects to actor Salim Kumar at Paravur Town Hall in Ernakulam.
Ernakulam district collector pays her last respects to Salim Kumar
Ernakulam district collector G Priyanka pays her last respects to actor Salim Kumar at Paravur Town Hall in Ernakulam.
Narayanankutty pays his last respects to Salim Kumar
Actor Narayanankutty pays his last respects to actor Salim Kumar at Paravur Town Hall in Ernakulam.
'Malayalam cinema has lost a true legend,' says Kalidas Jayaram
Kalidas Jayaram said via Instagram, "I was fortunate to share screen space with him, and beyond the incredible talent we all admired, I will always remember how warm, welcoming, and kind he was to everyone around him. Malayalam cinema has lost a true legend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and countless fans during this difficult time. Rest in peace."
Antony Perumbavoor pays his last respects to Salim Kumar
Producer Antony Perumbavoor pays his last respects to actor Salim Kumar at Paravur Town Hall in Ernakulam.
'A wonderful human being has left us,' says Jayaram
Actor Jayaram wrote on Instagram, 'Another brilliant co-actor, a remarkable artist, and above all, a wonderful human being has left us. Rip.'
Baburaj and Mahesh Narayanan pay their last respects to Salim Kumar
Actor Baburaj and filmmaker Mahesh Narayanan pay their last respects to Salim Kumar at Paravur Town Hall.
Jayaram pays his last respects to Salim Kumar
Actor Jayaram pays his last respects to actor Salim Kumar at Paravur Town Hall in Ernakulam.
'Salim Kumar created an entirely new language of humour,' says Suresh Gopi
In an interaction with reporters, Union Minister and actor Suresh Gopi said, “Every departure brings sorrow. When the person leaving us is someone we hold close to our hearts, that sorrow becomes immeasurable. Salim Kumar created an entirely new language of humour. He brought a fresh sensibility to comedy that resonated with a new generation."
Tiny Tom pays his last respects to Salim Kumar
Actor Tiny Tom pays his last respects to actor Salim Kumar at Paravur Town Hall in Ernakulam.
Navya Nair pays her last respects to Salim Kumar
Actor Navya Nair pays her last respects to actor Salim Kumar at Paravur Town Hall in Ernakulam
Ramesh Pisharody pays his last respects to Salim Kumar
Actor and member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly Ramesh Pisharody pays his last respects to actor Salim Kumar at Paravur Town Hall in Ernakulam
Public homage underway
The mortal remains of actor Salim Kumar have been placed at Paravur Town Hall in Ernakulam, where members of the public can pay their last respects.
'Salim Kumar made Malayalis laugh wholeheartedly and reflect deeply through his performances,' says Vinayan
Director Vinayan shared on a note on Instagram which read, "Dear friend Salim Kumar has passed away...Heartfelt condolences. For nearly three decades, he made Malayalis laugh wholeheartedly and reflect deeply through his performances. An exceptional artist, he was also known for speaking his mind and standing firm by his convictions. Even in the face of illness, Salim Kumar never lost his trademark smile and sense of humour. Today, that smile has bid us farewell."
'Thank you for the laughter,' says Meera Jasmine
Actor Meera Jasmine posted on her Instagram Storeis: "Thank you for the laughter and the life beneath it all."
'Thank you for the memories,' says Prithviraj
Actor-filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran took to his Instagram Stories and wrote, "Farewell Salim etta. Thank you for the memories."
'Your uncanny ability to find humor even from the darkest moments will be missed in my life,' says Kunchako Boban
Actor Kunchako Boban posted on Instagram, "When someone who is more than just a friend bids adieu, You are lost for words…!! Your big smile,even bigger laughter, Your uncanny ability to find humor even from the darkest moments,your satirical philosophy …will be missed in my life!! Keep smiling in the Heavens dear….………..SALIMKUMAR….."
'Your loss is an unending grief,' says Mammootty
Actor Mammootty took to X and wrote, "You laughed and made us laugh; you thought deeply and made us think. At times, you wept and moved us to tears. But now, Salim, you leave us only with tears. Your loss is an unending grief, my brother.”
Funeral of Salim Kumar
The funeral of actor Salim Kumar will be held at 3 pm today at his residence in North Paravur, Ernakulam.
Public homage at Paravur Town Hall
The mortal remains of actor Salim Kumar will be kept for public homage at Paravur Town Hall from 9 am to 1 pm.
Actor Salim Kumar passes away
National Award-winning Malayalam actor Salim Kumar died in Kochi on Saturday after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 56. Read More Here.