National Award-Winning Malayalam Actor Salim Kumar Passes Away at 56; PM Modi condoles
Kochi, June 7 (TNT): Malayalam cinema lost one of its most versatile and celebrated performers with the passing of Salim Kumar, actor, comedian, writer and director, who died at a private hospital in Kochi on Saturday night.
He was 56.
According to reports, he suffered a cardiac arrest after battling health complications and had been on ventilator support.
Salim Kumar is survived by his wife Sunitha and two sons, Chandu Salim Kumar and Aaromal.
Widely regarded as one of Malayalam cinema’s finest actors, Salim Kumar appeared in more than 300 films during a career spanning nearly three decades.
Though he first gained popularity through comedy roles, he later earned critical acclaim for his powerful character portrayals.
His most notable achievement came in 2010 when he won the National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in the acclaimed film Adaminte Makan Abu.
He also won the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor for Achanurangatha Veedu and received the Kerala State Television Award for Best Actor in 2013. His directorial venture Karutha Joothan won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Story in 2017.
Born in North Paravur in Kerala, Salim Kumar rose from mimicry stages to become one of the most respected figures in Malayalam cinema.
Apart from acting and filmmaking, he authored a memoir titled Ishwara Vazhakkillello and was associated with the Indian National Congress in Kerala.
His son Chandu has also entered the film industry and appeared in the blockbuster Manjummel Boys.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the veteran actor’s demise.
In a message posted on X, the Prime Minister said, “Deeply saddened by the passing of veteran actor Shri Salim Kumar Ji.
Over the course of a distinguished career, he made a mark with his versatility and memorable performances across a wide range of roles. My thoughts are with his family and countless admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”
Condolences also poured in from political leaders and members of the film fraternity.
Kerala Chief V. D. Satheesan said Malayalam cinema had lost not only a gifted artist but that he had personally lost “a brother”.
Recalling his association with the actor, Satheesan said Salim Kumar never hesitated to express his political convictions and remained steadfast in defending his beliefs.
“Salim Kumar showed world-class excellence across different dimensions of performance. While one side of his face brought laughter to audiences, the other carried emotions that could move people to tears,” he added.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said Salim Kumar brought laughter and warmth to countless hearts through his extraordinary talent and that his contribution to Indian cinema would be remembered for generations.
His passing has triggered an outpouring of grief from fans, political leaders and fellow artists, who remembered him as an exceptional performer whose versatility enriched Malayalam cinema.
TNT TS
