Kochi: National Award-winning Malayalam actor and director Salim Kumar passed away on June 6 at a private hospital in Kochi after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 56. According to reports, the veteran actor had been placed on ventilator support after his health condition worsened earlier in the day.
His death has left the Malayalam film industry and fans across the globe in deep shock and grief. Known for his remarkable comic timing and emotionally powerful performances, Salim Kumar built a memorable career that spanned decades in Malayalam cinema.
Mammootty, Dileep and Film Fraternity Pay Tribute
Following the tragic news, several leading personalities from the Malayalam film industry shared heartfelt tributes remembering the actor’s contribution to cinema and his warm personality. Superstar Mammootty expressed grief over the loss, while actor Dileep and many others from the industry also mourned his demise through emotional messages on social media.
ചിരിക്കുകയും ചിരിപ്പിക്കുകയും ചിന്തിക്കുകയും ചിന്തിപ്പിക്കുകയും
ഇടയ്ക്ക് കരയുകയും കരയിപ്പിക്കുകയും ചെയ്ത സലീം
നി ഇപ്പോൾ കരയിപ്പിക്കുക മാത്രമാണ്………..
തീരാത്ത സങ്കടം ആയി സഹോദരാ നിന്റെ വിയോഗം… pic.twitter.com/954P7IBhcw— Mammootty (@mammukka) June 6, 2026
After the news of Salim Kumar’s death, Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan tweeted on X, “He wasn’t just the prince of laughter to me — #SalimKumar was a deeply connected soul, fearless in his political beliefs and proud to say he stood with Congress. A versatile genius who could make us laugh and cry with the same face. Malayalam cinema lost a legend, and I lost a brother.”
He wasn’t just the prince of laughter to me — #SalimKumar was a deeply connected soul, fearless in his political beliefs and proud to say he stood with Congress. A versatile genius who could make us laugh and cry with the same face. Malayalam cinema lost a legend, and I lost a… pic.twitter.com/H0tx6RulC6
— V D Satheesan (@vdsatheesan) June 6, 2026
Later, he arrived to pay his last respects to Salim Kumar as well.
സലിംകുമാറിന് അന്തിമോപചാരമർപ്പിക്കാൻ മുഖ്യമന്ത്രി വി.ഡി സതീശൻ എത്തിയപ്പോൾ | Salim Kumar | VD Satheesan#SalimKumar #VDSatheesan #keralaCM #ActorSalimKumar #RIPSalimKumar #MalayalamActor pic.twitter.com/XT6C4DBXpe
— DD News Malayalam (@DDNewsMalayalam) June 7, 2026
Other Political leaders, colleagues and admirers remembered Salim Kumar as an irreplaceable talent whose performances left a lasting impact on audiences.
A Celebrated Career in Malayalam Cinema
Salim Kumar was widely admired for his versatility as an actor. Though he first gained popularity through comedy roles, he later proved his acting depth with several serious and critically acclaimed performances. Over the years, he earned recognition as one of Malayalam cinema’s most respected performers.
The actor won the National Award for his role in ‘Adaminte Makan Abu’, a performance that remains one of the highlights of his career. Apart from acting, he also worked as a director and writer, contributing significantly to the Malayalam film industry.
Health Issues and Final Days
Reports stated that Salim Kumar had been dealing with health complications for some time. He had earlier undergone a liver transplant and was receiving treatment for related health concerns in recent years. His condition reportedly worsened before he was admitted to a private hospital in Kochi, where he later passed away.
Fans Remember an Unforgettable Performer
Fans across social media remembered Salim Kumar through scenes, interviews and memorable dialogues from his films. Many described him as a performer who could effortlessly balance humour and emotion on screen.
His passing marks the end of an era for Malayalam cinema, with tributes continuing to pour in from across the entertainment industry and beyond.
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