Kochi, June 7: Malayalam cinema has been plunged into mourning following the death of National Award-winning actor Salim Kumar, who passed away at the age of 56 late Saturday night at a private hospital in Kochi.
The actor, known for his extraordinary range from comedy to intense character roles, died around 10:45 p.m. after battling prolonged health complications, hospital sources said.
Salim Kumar had been undergoing treatment at Amrita Hospital, Kochi, where he was placed on ventilator support after his condition turned critical.
Doctors had been closely monitoring his health, which had reportedly been affected by liver-related ailments over several years. The actor had earlier revealed that he was suffering from liver cirrhosis, which he said was hereditary and not related to alcohol consumption.
Despite medical efforts, his condition continued to deteriorate, leading to his demise on Saturday night.
Salim Kumar’s journey in Malayalam cinema is widely regarded as one of transformation and versatility. He began his career through mimicry and stage comedy, later emerging as one of the most popular comedians of his generation.
Over a career spanning nearly three decades, he acted in around 120 films and also directed three films.
He became a household name through memorable comedic roles in films such as:
- Thenkaasipattanam
- Ee Parakkum Thalika
- Meesa Madhavan
- C.I.D. Moosa
- Kalyanaraman
- Pulival Kalyanam
Powerful Character Performances
In later years, Salim Kumar reinvented himself as a serious actor, delivering acclaimed performances in films like:
- Achanurangatha Veedu
- Adaminte Makan Abu
His role in Adaminte Makan Abu earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor, marking a historic achievement for an actor who began his career in comedy.
He also won multiple Kerala State Film Awards, further cementing his place among Malayalam cinema’s finest performers.
Salim Kumar’s passing has triggered an outpouring of grief from colleagues, fans, and the film fraternity across Kerala. His hometown, North Paravoor, is also in mourning.
His mortal remains will be kept at Paravoor Town Hall on Sunday morning till noon for public homage. Later, the body will be taken to his residence, ‘Laughing Villa’, for the final rites.
With his passing, Malayalam cinema has lost not just a comedian, but a deeply sensitive artist who could effortlessly move between humour and emotional depth.
Salim Kumar’s performances, however, continue to live on, leaving behind a legacy that shaped generations of audiences.
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