Malayalam actor Salim Kumar passes away after reported heart attack at 56

Malayalam cinema lost one of its most recognised performers on Saturday as National Award winning actor Salim Kumar passed away at a private hospital in Kochi. He was 56. According to reports, the actor had been undergoing treatment for a liver related illness and suffered a heart attack.

Over a career spanning more than three decades, Salim Kumar featured in over 300 films and built a reputation as both a comic entertainer and a serious performer. His journey from mimicry stages to becoming one of Malayalam cinema's most respected actors remains a significant chapter in the industry.

Born on October 9, 1969, in Chittattukara near North Paravur, Salim Kumar began his performing career through mimicry programmes. He was associated with popular troupes, including Cochin Kalabhavan, before entering films during the 1990s. His first screen appearance came with Ishtamanu Nooru Vattam in 1996.

The actor gained wider recognition after Thenkasipattanam and soon became a familiar face in Malayalam households. His comic performances in films such as Kalyanaraman, CID Moosa, Pulival Kalyanam, Meesha Madhavan, Thommanum Makkalum, Pandippada, Mayavi and Thilakkam earned him a loyal audience. Many scenes and dialogues from these films continue to circulate widely on social media even today.

While comedy brought him popularity, Salim Kumar also earned acclaim for his dramatic performances. In 2005, he won the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor for Achanurangatha Veedu. His career reached a major milestone in 2010 when he received the National Film Award for Best Actor for Adaminte Makan Abu. The performance also earned him the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor.

Apart from acting, Salim Kumar worked as a filmmaker and storyteller. He directed films including Compartment, Karutha Joothan and Daivame Kaithozham K Kumar Akanam. His story for Karutha Joothan won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Story.

Despite health challenges in recent years, Salim Kumar remained active in public life and continued making appearances at social and political events across Kerala.