The lights have dimmed for one of Kerala’s most loved entertainers. Salim Kumar, the National Award-winning actor who rose from local mimicry stages to become a celebrated figure in Indian cinema, has died at the age of 56.

He passed away on Saturday night at a private hospital, where he was undergoing treatment for pneumonia. He had previously undergone a liver transplant.

Beyond his achievements in cinema and public life, Kumar was also known for openly speaking about a painful chapter in his own health journey. In 2023, a speech he delivered at Amrita Hospital event went viral after he revealed how he had fallen victim to false medical claims while battling a serious illness.

His candid account struck a chord with many and became a warning against medical fraud.

How fear led him to a false cure

Kumar said he was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and allowed fear to influence his decisions.

Afraid of hospitals and "English" medicine (Allopathic), he began searching for alternative treatments. During this period, he met a self-proclaimed healer in Ottapalam who promised to cure him within 51 days.

The treatment involved a herb called Nilamparanda, which was mixed into his daily porridge.

Trusting the promise, Kumar followed the treatment faithfully. However, 51 days eventually became 501 days, and his condition did not improve. He later discovered that the same healer had sought treatment at a major cancer centre.

Warning against unqualified healers

Kumar repeatedly stressed that his criticism was not aimed at traditional medicine as a whole.

He made it clear that he was not referring to qualified BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) doctors. Instead, he was speaking about unqualified individuals who claimed to cure serious illnesses without proper medical knowledge.

According to Kumar, such people often exploit fear and persuade patients to avoid proven medical treatment.

The cost of desperation

He also shared other experiences from his search for a cure.

In Malayattoor, another healer advised him to consume a medicinal paste prepared by boiling down water from 500 coconuts.

His wife spent an entire day and night preparing the mixture, hoping it would help him recover. However, he vomited immediately after consuming it. When this happened, the healer claimed that his body was rejecting the medicine.

Kumar later realised that some of these individuals were using his celebrity status to promote themselves. They shared photographs with him on social media to create the impression that they had successfully treated him.

By speaking openly about his experience, Kumar hoped others would not delay seeking proper medical care and fall victim to false promises.