On Saturday night, we reported about Salim Kumar passing away at the age of 56. Soon after the news broke, some key members of the film industry paid their tributes to him through social media. Among those from Malayalam cinema to mourn his death include Prithviraj Sukumaran, Mammootty, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Dileep, Binu Pappu, Asif Ali, Anagha Maya Ravi, KB Ganesh Kumar, Abhimanyu Shammi Thilakan, and director Vinayan. 

“Farewell Salim etta. Thank you for the memories,” wrote Prithviraj on his Instagram Stories space. Prithviraj is an admirer of Salim Kumar. In an old interview, Prithviraj said that Salim told him about lack of recognition from the audience for his acting until his role in Adaminte Makan Abu, which won him a National Award. Prithviraj and Salim starred in many films, notably 2006’s Achanurangatha Veedu, 2007’s Chocolate and 2012’s Ayalum Njanum Thammil.

Known for his countless comedy roles, Salim's few notable departures to more serious territory include titles such as Adaminte Makan Abu, Queen, 

Perumazhakkalam, and Achanurangatha Veedu. 

Speaking of which, director Vinayan called Salim an amazing artist who made the audience laugh and think for 30 years. The director praised Salim's tendency to stick to his word as well. Salim starred in Vinayan's 2018 directorial venture, Chalakkudikkaran Changathi. Meanwhile, Ganesh Kumar highlighted Salim’s proven track record in character roles. Meanwhile, Mammootty expressed his deep sadness about Salim's demise. Underscoring the late actor's versatility, Mammootty shared, "Salim, you laugh and make others laugh, think and make others think, and occasionally cry and make others cry. Now, you only make me cry."

Some of the actor’s memorable comic roles came in Thenkasipattanam, Ee Parakkum Thalika, Meesa Madhavan, CID Moosa, Kalyanaraman, Pulival Kalyanam, Chathikkatha Chanthu, Mayavi, and Hallo. He had been seen less frequently since 2020 because of his health concerns. He has also directed films such as Compartment, Karutha Joothan, and Daivame Kaithozham K Kumar Akanam. 

Last starred in Koodothram, Salim is survived by his sons Aaromal and Chandu, who is also an actor best known for his role in Manjummel Boys.