Salim Kumar, Malayalam’s beloved comedian-actor, dies at 56
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Kochi: 'Laughing Villa', the North Paravoor home that reflected Salim Kumar's trademark humour and warmth, fell silent after the veteran Malayalam actor died late Saturday night.
Salim Kumar, 56, who won national acclaim for his range — from uproarious comedy to searing dramatic roles — passed away at about 10:45 p.m. at a private Kochi hospital after a prolonged illness. He had been receiving treatment at Amrita Hospital and was on ventilator support as specialists continued intensive care.
Doctors and the actor's family said his health had been affected by long-standing liver-related problems. Salim Kumar had previously disclosed a diagnosis of liver cirrhosis and emphasized it was hereditary, not alcohol-related, noting similar illness in a family member. He had also spoken publicly about the emotional toll of living with a chronic condition.
A mimicry artist who rose to prominence as one of Malayalam cinema's most loved comedians, Salim Kumar built a nearly three-decade career that included about 120 films and three directorial ventures. He was celebrated for comic roles in Thenkasipattanam, Ee Parakkum Thalika, Meesa Madhavan, C.I.D. Moosa, Kalyanaraman and Pulival Kalyanam, and for powerful dramatic turns in Achanurangatha Veedu and Adaminte Makan Abu.
His portrayal in Adaminte Makan Abu earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor — a milestone that highlighted his successful transition from comedy to serious cinema. He also received Kerala State Film Awards, and his directorial Karutha Joothan won the state award for Best Story.
News of his death prompted wide grief across the film fraternity and among fans, particularly in North Paravoor — his hometown and the constituency of Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan. Salim Kumar's mortal remains will be placed at Paravoor Town Hall Sunday morning until noon for the public to pay respects, after which they will be taken to his residence, Laughing Villa, for final rites.
Malayalam cinema mourns not only a comic genius but an actor who could fuse laughter with deep humanity; though his voice is now silent, his characters will endure.
(Inputs from IANS)