Veteran Malayalam actor Salim Kumar passed away late Saturday night, 7 June 2025, at a private hospital in Kochi following health complications. He was 56. Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Sunday paid an emotional tribute, describing the loss as not merely that of a gifted artist to Malayalam cinema, but a deeply personal loss of 'a brother'.

Chief Minister's Tribute

In a heartfelt condolence message, CM Satheesan said Malayalam cinema had lost one of its most talented performers. He recalled Salim Kumar as someone who never hesitated to express his political convictions and remained steadfast in defending his beliefs regardless of personal consequences.

'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,' Satheesan said.

Final Journey and Public Homage

The actor's mortal remains were placed at the North Paravur Town Hall on Sunday morning, where thousands of admirers gathered to pay their final respects. Members of the Malayalam film fraternity, political leaders, and people from all walks of life visited the venue. The body was taken to his residence by 1 pm, with funeral rites held at 3 pm before he was laid to rest at his home in North Paravur on Sunday evening.

Salim Kumar is survived by his wife Sunitha and sons Chandu and Aaromal.

Film Fraternity Mourns

Tributes poured in from across Kerala and beyond. Superstar Mammootty shared an emotional message on social media, mourning the loss of a close friend. 'Your departure is an endless sorrow, my brother. Salim, you made people laugh, think, cry and reflect. Now you leave us with only tears,' Mammootty wrote.

Actors Shwetha Menon, Ramesh Pisharody, and Dileep, among several others from the Malayalam film industry, visited the hospital and later paid their respects at the public homage venue. Hundreds of fans had gathered outside the hospital after news of his death broke.

A Legacy That Transcended Genres

Salim Kumar first won audiences over with his unique comic timing before establishing himself as a powerful dramatic actor. He received the National Film Award for Best Actor in 2010 for his acclaimed performance in 'Adaminte Makan Abu', which also earned him the Kerala State Film Award. He had earlier won the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor for 'Achanurangatha Veedu'.

His contributions extended beyond acting — as a filmmaker, his story for 'Karutha Joothan' won the 2017 Kerala State Film Award for Best Story. With a career spanning decades and hundreds of memorable performances, Salim Kumar leaves behind a legacy that will endure across generations of Malayali audiences.