Malayalam Cinema Mourns the Loss of Veteran Actor Salim Kumar

The Malayalam film industry is mourning the demise of acclaimed actor and filmmaker Salim Kumar, who passed away late on Saturday night at the age of 56. He breathed his last at a private hospital in Kochi after suffering a severe heart attack while undergoing treatment for multiple health complications.

According to hospital sources, Salim Kumar was admitted in the early hours of June 6 after experiencing fever and breathing difficulties. As his condition deteriorated rapidly, doctors placed him on ventilator support and continued intensive treatment. Medical experts later confirmed that pneumonia and other existing health issues worsened his condition, leading to a fatal cardiac arrest at around 10:43 pm on Saturday.

The actor had been dealing with liver related ailments for several years and had previously undergone a liver transplant surgery. Despite his health challenges, he remained a respected and admired figure in the Malayalam entertainment industry.

Born on October 10, 1969, near North Paravur in Kerala, Salim Kumar began his career as a mimicry artist before making a successful transition into films. His unique comic timing and effortless screen presence helped him become one of the most recognizable faces in Malayalam cinema. Over the years, he appeared in more than 300 films, earning praise for both comedy and serious roles.

One of the defining moments of his career came in 2010 when he received the National Award for Best Actor for his outstanding performance in the critically acclaimed film Adaminte Makan Abu. The award established him as a versatile performer capable of delivering powerful dramatic roles alongside memorable comic characters.

News of his passing has left the Malayalam film fraternity in shock. Several leading actors, including Mammootty and Dileep, along with filmmakers, colleagues and fans, paid heartfelt tributes to the veteran actor and remembered his immense contribution to cinema.

His mortal remains were kept at the Paravur Town Hall to allow the public to pay their final respects. Salim Kumar is survived by his wife Sunitha and sons Chandu and Aromal. His son Chandu recently gained recognition for his appearance in the film Manjummel Boys, continuing the family’s connection with the film industry.