National Award winner Salim Kumar dies at 56
National Award-winning Malayalam actor Salim Kumar passed away on Sunday at a private hospital while being treated for pneumonia, according to his family. He was 56. Kumar had a liver transplant a few years ago and was admitted to the hospital earlier in the day, where he was put on a ventilator.
His family said he developed sudden health problems and was rushed to the hospital, where he breathed his last. Kumar was well known in Malayalam cinema and first became popular through mimicry and comedy before moving into films in the late 1990s. He debuted in 1997, but it was his comic roles in the 2000s that made him widely popular.
He received the Kerala State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Achanurangatha Veedu. Later, he won both the National Film Award and the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor for his praised performance in Adaminte Makan Abu (2010).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on Sunday for the passing of veteran Malayalam actor Salim Kumar. He said Kumar stood out for his versatility and memorable performances in many roles.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of veteran actor Shri Salim Kumar Ji. Over the course of a distinguished career, he made a mark with his versatility and memorable performances across a wide range of roles. My thoughts are with his family and countless admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti,” Modi wrote on X.
Chief Minister VD Satheesan shared his deep sorrow over Kumar’s death, calling him “more than a film star” and “a brother and family member.” In his message, he said Salim Kumar was the pride of North Paravur.
Salim Kumar was the pride of North Paravur. The CM said in his condolence message that Salim Kumar was the pride of North Paravur. Kumar was born into a modest family that faced poverty and hardship, but he rose to the top of Indian cinema by winning the National Award. He was a rare talent whose work even reached the Oscar nomination stage. His public appearance was at a reception organised by the people of Paravur a few days ago.
Kumar was known for his versatility, moving from comedy to serious roles over a career of almost thirty years. He is survived by his wife, Sunitha, and their two children.
