Salim Kumar memorial: A heartfelt tribute in CM VD Satheesan's first Budget

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister and Finance Minister VD Satheesan has announced a memorial for late actor Salim Kumar in his maiden state Budget, honouring one of Malayalam cinema's most beloved performers.

The government has earmarked ₹1 crore for the project, which will be established in Ernakulam and serve as a tribute to an actor whose influence extended far beyond the silver screen.

Kerala pays tribute to Salim Kumar

The announcement comes just weeks after Salim Kumar's passing on June 6 at the age of 56. Widely regarded as one of Malayalam cinema's most versatile actors, Salim Kumar built a legacy through memorable performances that blended humour, emotion and social commentary.

Presenting the Budget, Satheesan announced that a memorial would be built in Ernakulam to honour the National Award-winning actor's contribution to Kerala's cultural landscape.

A sum of ₹1 crore has been allocated for the project.

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An actor who became part of everyday life

For generations of Malayalis, Salim Kumar was much more than a film actor. His dialogues, expressions and characters became deeply embedded in everyday conversations and popular culture.

His performances transcended cinema halls, with many of his iconic scenes continuing to be quoted and shared long after their release.

Paying tribute earlier, Satheesan had described Salim Kumar as a close companion and said his passing was like losing a brother.

"We laughed not only when we watched him on screen; we continued to laugh later, remembering his expressions and dialogues. Such was the place he occupied in people's hearts," Satheesan had said.

The proposed memorial aims to preserve and celebrate that enduring legacy.

Budget honours several cultural icons

Salim Kumar was not the only cultural figure commemorated in the Budget.

The state government also announced ₹1 crore for the Umbayee Music Academy, named after renowned ghazal singer Umbayee, who passed away in 2018.

In another major cultural initiative, Kerala announced plans for a film city named after pioneering filmmaker JC Daniel, widely regarded as the father of Malayalam cinema. The project, titled Chithra Nagaram, will be established in Kochi.

MT Vasudevan Nair cultural park gets major allocation

One of the biggest cultural announcements in the Budget was a ₹50 crore allocation for a cultural park dedicated to celebrated writer and filmmaker MT Vasudevan Nair in Kozhikode.

The proposed cultural park will showcase Kerala's traditional art forms, including Kathakali, Theyyam, Koothu and Oppana.

The facility will also include a convention theatre, library, voice museum, food court and other cultural amenities aimed at preserving and promoting Kerala's artistic heritage.

Music academy for legendary composer Johnson

The Budget further announced the establishment of a music academy in memory of legendary music director Johnson.

The academy will be set up in Thrissur, Johnson's hometown, and is expected to serve as a centre for music education and cultural activities.

Johnson remains one of Malayalam cinema's most celebrated composers, remembered for creating some of the industry's most enduring melodies. Through the series of announcements, the Kerala government has signalled a broader effort to preserve the state's artistic and cultural heritage.

From cinema and literature to music and traditional performing arts, the Budget seeks to commemorate personalities whose contributions helped shape Kerala's cultural identity.

Among them, Salim Kumar's memorial stands out as a tribute to an actor whose humour, humanity and unforgettable screen presence continue to resonate with audiences across generations.