PM Modi condoles Salim Kumar's death, hails Malayalam actor's versatility
Synopsis
Veteran Malayalam actor Salim Kumar, winner of the National Film Award for Best Actor in 2010, died at 56 in Kochi on Saturday night. Prime Minister Modi, Kerala CM Satheesan, Mammootty, and Mohanlal led tributes to a performer who redefined the range of comedy and character acting in Malayalam cinema across three decades.
Key Takeaways
Veteran Malayalam actor Salim Kumar passed away late Saturday night, 7 June , at a private hospital in Kochi .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted a condolence message on X , calling Salim Kumar a versatile performer who made a lasting mark on Indian cinema.
Kerala Chief Minister V.D.
Satheesan said he had personally lost 'a brother,' praising the actor's political courage and artistic range.
Salim Kumar won the National Film Award for Best Actor in 2010 for 'Adaminte Makan Abu' and also received Kerala State Film Awards for multiple films.
His mortal remains were placed at North Paravur Town Hall for public homage; final rites were held at his North Paravur residence.
He is survived by his wife Sunitha and sons Chandu and Aaromal .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, 7 June expressed his condolences over the passing of veteran Malayalam actor Salim Kumar, calling him a versatile performer whose memorable roles left a lasting mark on Indian cinema. The actor died late Saturday night at a private hospital in Kochi following health complications. He was 56.
PM Modi's Condolence Message
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said he was deeply saddened by the actor's passing. '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,' the Prime Minister wrote.
Public Homage and Final Rites
Salim Kumar's mortal remains were placed at the North Paravur Town Hall on Sunday morning, where thousands of fans gathered to pay their final respects. He was to be laid to rest at his residence in North Paravur in the evening.
Tributes from Kerala's Political and Film Fraternity
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said Malayalam cinema had lost not only a gifted artist but that he had personally lost 'a brother.' Recalling his long association with the actor, Satheesan noted that Salim Kumar never hesitated to express his political convictions and remained steadfast in defending his beliefs. 'Salim Kumar showed world-class excellence across different dimensions of performance. While one side of his face brought laughter to audiences, the other carried emotions that could move people to tears,' the Chief Minister said.
Megastar Mammootty described Salim Kumar as an irreplaceable talent whose journey from comedy to powerful character roles inspired an entire generation of actors. Mohanlal remembered him as a unique performer whose warmth, humour, and emotional depth made him one of Malayalam cinema's most cherished artistes.
A Career Spanning Three Decades
A master of comedy who later emerged as a critically acclaimed character actor, Salim Kumar won the National Film Award for Best Actor in 2010 for his performance in 'Adaminte Makan Abu'. He also received Kerala State Film Awards for 'Achanurangatha Veedu' and 'Karutha Joothan', and earned widespread recognition over a career spanning more than three decades.
Family and Legacy
He is survived by his wife, Sunitha, and sons, Chandu and Aaromal. His death marks the end of an era for Malayalam cinema, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, emotion, and performances that will endure for generations.
Point of View
Slapstick and sorrow, and was formally recognised for the harder one. His National Award for 'Adaminte Makan Abu' was a corrective: it told audiences that the man who made them laugh for years had quietly become one of the finest character actors in the country. The tributes from Modi, Satheesan, Mammootty, and Mohanlal in the same breath reflect how completely he had bridged the gap between popular entertainment and critical respect — a crossing that very few Malayalam actors have managed in a single career.
NationPress
23 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Salim Kumar?
Salim Kumar was a veteran Malayalam actor known for his mastery of both comedy and character roles over a career spanning more than three decades. He won the National Film Award for Best Actor in 2010 for his performance in 'Adaminte Makan Abu' and also received multiple Kerala State Film Awards.
How did Salim Kumar die?
Salim Kumar passed away late Saturday night, 7 June, at a private hospital in Kochi following health complications. He was 56 years old.
What did PM Modi say about Salim Kumar?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted a condolence message on X, saying he was 'deeply saddened' by the actor's passing and praised his 'versatility and memorable performances across a wide range of roles.' Modi extended his thoughts to the actor's family and admirers.
Where were Salim Kumar's final rites held?
His mortal remains were placed at the North Paravur Town Hall on Sunday morning for public homage, with thousands of fans in attendance. The final rites were held at his residence in North Paravur in the evening.
Who are Salim Kumar's survivors?
Salim Kumar is survived by his wife, Sunitha, and his two sons, Chandu and Aaromal.
