Daijiworld Media Network - Kochi
Kochi, Jun 7: National Award-winning Malayalam actor, comedian, director and writer Salim Kumar passed away at a private hospital in Kochi on Saturday night. He was 56. The veteran actor had been undergoing treatment after developing serious health complications and was placed on ventilator support before his death.
Family sources said Salim Kumar died at around 10.43 pm while receiving treatment for pneumonia. The actor, who had undergone a liver transplant a few years ago, was rushed to the hospital after his condition deteriorated. Despite intensive medical care, including ventilator support, he could not be revived.
He is survived by his wife Sunitha and their two children.
The actor's death triggered an outpouring of grief from the film fraternity and political leaders. Malayalam superstar Mammootty paid an emotional tribute, recalling their long friendship and expressing sorrow over the loss.
Several prominent personalities from the Malayalam film industry, including Dileep, Ramesh Pisharody and Nadirshah, visited the hospital to pay their respects. Tributes also poured in from across the state, with leaders and fans remembering him as one of Malayalam cinema's most versatile performers.
Beginning his career as a mimicry artist and television performer, Salim Kumar made his film debut in 1997 with Ishtamanu Nooru Vattam. His breakthrough came with Thenkasipattanam, following which he became one of the most sought-after comic actors in Malayalam cinema through memorable performances in films such as Ee Parakkum Thalika and Meesa Madhavan.
Over a career spanning more than three decades and nearly 300 films, Salim Kumar successfully transitioned from comedy to powerful character roles. His acclaimed performance in Adaminte Makan Abu earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor in 2010, cementing his place among the finest performers in Indian cinema.
As a filmmaker, he also won recognition for his storytelling abilities. His film Karutha Joothan won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Story in 2017. He was also a recipient of multiple Kerala State Film Awards and the Kerala State Television Award during his distinguished career.
Widely admired for his comic brilliance, emotional depth and unique screen presence, Salim Kumar leaves behind a rich cinematic legacy that shaped Malayalam cinema for generations