Veteran Malayalam actor, comedian, director and writer Salim Kumar passed away on Saturday at the age of 56. He breathed his last at a private hospital in Kochi, where he had been undergoing treatment. His death was confirmed at 10.43 pm.
According to reports, Salim Kumar suffered a heart attack while receiving treatment for pneumonia. He had been battling a series of health complications in recent years, particularly liver-related ailments. The actor had previously undergone a liver transplant and had spoken publicly about his struggles with liver cirrhosis, clarifying that the condition was hereditary and not linked to alcohol consumption. He had also revealed that seeking unproven treatments during his illness had adversely affected his health.
Born on October 10, 1969, in North Paravur, Ernakulam, Salim Kumar began his artistic journey as a mimicry performer. A graduate of Maharaja's College, Ernakulam, he rose to prominence through Kalabhavan and television comedy programmes before making his film debut with Ishtamanu Nooru Vattam in 1997.
The actor became one of Malayalam cinema's most recognisable comic talents during the 2000s, delivering memorable performances in films such as Thenkasipattanam, Ee Parakkum Thalika, Meesa Madhavan, CID Moosa, Pulival Kalyanam, Chathikkatha Chanthu, Mayavi and Hallo. Characters including Manavalan, Dance Master Vikram, Omanakkuttan and Kannan Srank became deeply embedded in Kerala's popular culture.
Beyond comedy, Salim Kumar earned widespread acclaim for his dramatic performances. His role in Kamal's Perumazhakkalam signalled a turning point in his career, while Achanurangatha Veedu won him the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor. He later received the National Film Award for Best Actor for his acclaimed performance in Adaminte Makan Abu, cementing his reputation as one of Malayalam cinema's finest performers.
Salim Kumar also ventured into filmmaking, making his directorial debut with Compartment in 2015. His second directorial venture, Karutha Joothan, earned him the Kerala State Film Award for Best Story. He later directed Daivame Kaithozham K Kumar Akanam, starring Jayaram.
In the latter part of his career, the actor considerably reduced his workload due to health concerns. His last screen appearance came in Baiju Ezhupunna's Koodothram.
Salim Kumar is survived by his wife Sunitha and their two sons, Manjummel Boys actor Chandu and Aaromal.
