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Malayalam actor Salim Kumar dies at 56

Salim Kumar death news: National Award-winning Malayalam actor Salim Kumar died of a cardiac arrest in Kochi on Saturday.

Salim Kumar passes awayActor Salim Kumar passes away at 56. (Express Photo By Anil Sharma)

Salim Kumar death news: National Award-winning Malayalam actor Salim Kumar passed away following a cardiac arrest in Kochi on Saturday. He was 56.

Salim Kumar breathed his last at a private hospital in Kochi, where he was rushed after experiencing health issues. He was placed on ventilator support before passing away.

“He was initiated on ventilator support, antibiotics, dialysis and other life-saving measures. During the hospital stay, he suffered a cardiac arrest and despite maximum possible resuscitative measures, could not be revived,” said the medical bulletin issued by the hospital on Saturday night.

After making a name for himself through theatre and mimicry, Salim Kumar made his silver screen debut with the 1997 film Ishtamanu Nooru Vattam. He went on to become one of Malayalam cinema’s most beloved actors, known for delivering memorable performances in both comic and character roles. Some of his popular films include Satyameva Jayathe, Thenkasipattanam, One Man Show, Ee Parakkum Thalika, Meesa Madhavan, Mazhathullikkilukkam, Kunjikkoonan, Kalyanaraman, C.I.D. Moosa, Thilakkam, Kilichundan Mampazham, Pattalam, Chathikkatha Chandu, Mayavi, Perumazhakkalam, Achanurangatha Veedu, and Adaminte Makan Abu, among many others.

For his performance in the 2010 film Adaminte Makan Abu, Salim Kumar won the National Film Award for Best Actor. He was also a four-time recipient of the Kerala State Film Award.

Apart from acting, Salim Kumar ventured into filmmaking and directed movies such as Karutha Joothan and Daivame Kaithozham K. Kumar Akanam.

Salim Kumar is survived by his wife Sunitha and their two sons Chandu Salim Kumar and Aaromal Salim Kumar.

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Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan took to social media to express grief over Salim Kumar’s demise, describing him as “a versatile genius who could make us laugh and cry with the same face.”

Satheesan wrote on X, “He wasn’t just the prince of laughter to me — #SalimKumar was a deeply connected soul, fearless in his political beliefs and proud to say he stood with Congress. A versatile genius who could make us laugh and cry with the same face. Malayalam cinema lost a legend, and I lost a brother.”

Mammootty, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Vinayan, Meera Jasmine, Kunchako Boban, Manju Warrier, Babu Antony, and Listin Stephen were among the many celebrities who mourned the demise of Salim Kumar. Meanwhile, Dileep, Soubin Shahir, Shweta Menon, Amal Neerad, and Ramesh Pisharody arrived at the hospital on Saturday night to pay their last respects.

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