Mammootty, Mohanlal lead tributes to Salim Kumar: 'Your loss has become an endless sorrow'

Malayalam cinema was plunged into mourning on Saturday night following the death of National Award-winning actor and filmmaker Salim Kumar, who died at a private hospital in Kochi after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 56.

Kumar had been undergoing treatment after his health deteriorated and was placed on ventilator support earlier in the day. His death prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues, political leaders and fans, with veteran actor Mammootty among the first to pay tribute.

Mammootty remembers longtime colleague

Sharing an emotional message on social media, Mammootty reflected on Kumar's ability to evoke laughter, thought and emotion through his performances.

He tweeted, "Salim, who laughed and made others laugh, who thought and made others think, who cried and made others cry in between, is now only making us cry... Brother, your loss has become an endless sorrow." (translated)

The tribute quickly resonated with fans and members of the film fraternity, many of whom shared memories of Kumar's decades-long contribution to Malayalam cinema.

Actor Mohanlal wrote on Facebook, “Beloved Salim Kumar passed away after gifting many characters that made the audience laugh and think at the same time. The blessed artist who even won a national award. He possessed an innocent love of helping others and holding them together like brothers. I was able to star in many movies with him. Salim Kumar was also a good friend of mine in and out of cinema. He always had a sense of civic sense to observe social issues and openly express his opinion. Painful condolences to a dear friend.”

 

Tributes pour in from political leaders and film personalities

Condolences continued to arrive from across Kerala following news of Kumar's death.

Kerala CM VD Satheesan paid tribute to the actor, recalling both his artistic achievements and personal friendship.

He tweeted, "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."

Several members of the Malayalam film industry gathered at the hospital after his death. Among those who visited were actor Dileep, actor and MLA Ramesh Pisharody, and filmmaker-actor Nadirshah.

Long battle with health complications

Kumar had been battling serious health issues for several years. Reports said he suffered from liver cirrhosis, kidney-related ailments and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He had previously undergone a liver transplant after being diagnosed with cirrhosis.

The actor had publicly clarified that his liver disease was hereditary and not linked to alcohol consumption. In earlier interviews, he revealed that his brother had also suffered from the same condition.

Kumar had also spoken openly about the challenges he faced during his treatment, including his decision to seek help from unqualified practitioners, which he later said worsened his condition.

From mimicry artist to National Award winner

Born on October 10, 1969, in North Paravur in Kerala's Ernakulam district, Kumar began his career in mimicry before making the transition to cinema.

He made his screen debut in 1997 with ‘Ishtamanu Nooru Vattam’. Wider recognition followed after filmmaker duo Rafi-Mecartin cast him in ‘Thenkasipattanam’, one of Malayalam cinema's biggest commercial successes of 2000.

Over the years, Kumar became one of the industry's most beloved comic actors, earning acclaim for performances in films including ‘C.I.D. Moosa’, ‘Thilakkam’, ‘Kilichundan Mampazham’ and ‘Pattalam’.

While comedy established his popularity, he later proved his versatility with dramatic roles. His performance in ‘Achanurangatha Veedu’ earned him the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor.

His most celebrated achievement came in 2010 when he won the National Film Award for Best Actor for ‘Adaminte Makan Abu’, a performance widely regarded as one of the finest in Malayalam cinema.

Legacy beyond acting

In addition to acting, Kumar explored filmmaking and writing. His directorial venture ‘Karutha Joothan’ earned the Kerala State Film Award for Best Story in 2017.

He was most recently seen in the films ‘Bha Bha Ba’ and ‘Azadi’.

Kumar lived in North Paravur at his residence, known as "Laughing Villa". He is survived by his wife, Sunitha, and sons Chandu and Aaromal. His elder son, Chandu Salim Kumar, has also followed him into the film industry.