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National Award-winning Malayalam actor and director Salim Kumar passed away on June 6 after suffering a cardiac arrest, leaving the Indian film industry
in mourning. The 56-year-old actor breathed his last at a private hospital in Kochi, where he had been placed on ventilator support following a sudden deterioration in his health. Renowned for his remarkable versatility across comedy, drama and character roles, Salim Kumar carved a unique place in Malayalam cinema over a career spanning decades. Following the heartbreaking news, several film personalities, including Mammootty, Prithviraj Sukumaran and others shared emotional tributes remembering his immense contribution to cinema.
Industry reacts to Salim Kumar's passing
Paying tribute to Salim Kumar, Mammootty shared an emotional message on X, saying that Salim was someone who "laughed and made others laugh, thought and made others think, and occasionally cried and made others cry." He lamented that the actor's passing now only brings tears, adding that his departure has become "an unending sorrow."
Prithviraj Sukumaran mourned the loss through a heartfelt Instagram Story, writing, "Farewell Salim-etta. Thank you for the memories," as he paid tribute to the late actor's lasting impact on Malayalam cinema and those who worked with him.
On the other hand, Tovino Thomas shared a picture of late Salim Kumar and captioned his Instagram post with a heartbreak emoji.
Expressing grief over Salim Kumar's death, V. D. Satheesan said the actor was not just a "prince of laughter" but also a deeply connected soul who was fearless in expressing his political beliefs. He described Salim Kumar as a versatile genius who could make audiences laugh and cry with the same face, adding that Malayalam cinema had lost a legend while he had lost a brother.
Salim Kumar's funeral
Salim Kumar's final rites are scheduled to take place on Sunday (June 7) in his hometown of Paravur. His mortal remains will be placed at Paravur Town Hall from 9 am to allow the public and admirers to pay their last respects. Reports suggest that Kerala Opposition Leader VD Satheesan is also expected to visit and offer condolences.
Meanwhile, Salim Kumar rose from a talented mimicry artist to become one of Malayalam cinema's most beloved performers. After making his acting debut with Ishtamanu Nooru Vattam, he gained widespread recognition with Thenkasipattanam and went on to star in popular films such as CID Moosa, Kalyanaraman, Mayavi, and Meesha Madhavan. A National Award-winning actor, he also ventured into directing with films like Compartment and Karutha Joothan. Over a career spanning decades, the late actor-director left an indelible mark on Indian cinema, earning the admiration of colleagues and fans alike.
Rest In Peace, Salim Kumar!
