07 June,2026 08:04 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Salim Kumar (Pic via Mammootty`s X handle)
National Award-winning Malayalam actor Salim Kumar died at a private hospital here while undergoing treatment for pneumonia, family sources said. He was 56. Kumar died around 10.43 pm on Saturday, they said. The actor, who had undergone a liver transplant a few years ago, was admitted to the hospital earlier in the day and was placed on ventilator support. According to family sources, he developed sudden health complications and was rushed to the hospital, where he breathed his last.
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan expressed deep grief over Kumar's demise, describing him as "more than a film star" and "a brother and family member".
"Salim Kumar was the pride of North Paravur. Born into an ordinary family that faced poverty and hardships, he rose to the pinnacle of Indian cinema by winning the National Award. He was a rare talent who even reached the Oscar nomination stage through his work," the chief minister said in a condolence message.
Satheesan also recalled that Kumar's last public appearance was at a reception organised by the people of Paravur a few days ago.
Malayalam film superstar Mammootty also penned a tribute note for the late actor on social media. His note written in Malayalam translates to:
"Salim, who laughed and made others laugh,
thought and made others think,
and occasionally cried and made others cry -
now, all you do is make me cry...........
Your departure, has become an unending sorrow..."
A familiar face in Malayalam cinema, Kumar first gained recognition through mimicry and comedy before entering films in the late 1990s. Although he made his film debut in 1997, it was during the 2000s that his comic performances earned him widespread popularity. He won the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor for his performance in Achanurangatha Veedu and later received both the National Film Award and the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor for his acclaimed portrayal in Adaminte Makan Abu (2010).
Known for his versatility, Kumar successfully transitioned from comedy to serious character roles during a career spanning nearly three decades.
He is survived by his wife, Sunitha, and two children.
(with inputs from PTI)
