National Award-winning Malayalam actor Salim Kumar passed away at the age of 56 in Kochi on Saturday night, leaving the Malayalam film industry and millions of fans in deep sorrow. Reports said the actor had been undergoing treatment for serious health complications and was on ventilator support before his death. He is believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest during treatment.
Salim Kumar was one of the most respected and versatile actors in Malayalam cinema. He began his career as a mimicry artist and later became a household name through his memorable comedy performances. Over the years, he successfully transitioned into serious and emotionally powerful roles, earning praise from audiences and critics alike.
His finest achievement came with the film Adaminte Makan Abu (2011), which won him the National Film Award for Best Actor. The film also gained international recognition as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards. During a career spanning more than two decades, Salim Kumar acted in over 300 films and became one of the most recognizable faces in Malayalam cinema.
Following the news of his death, tributes poured in from across the country. Leading actors, filmmakers, political leaders, and fans remembered him as a gifted performer who could make people laugh and move them with equal ease. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as a versatile performer whose contribution to Indian cinema would be remembered for years.
Thousands of admirers gathered in Kochi and North Paravur to pay their last respects. His funeral was conducted with state honours, reflecting the immense respect he earned through his work and public life.
Salim Kumar is survived by his wife Sunitha and their two sons. His passing marks the end of an extraordinary journey in Indian cinema, but his unforgettable performances and legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of audiences.
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