National Award winning Malayalam actor and director Salim Kumar died on the night of June 6 at a private hospital in Kochi after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 56 years old. The veteran actor was put on ventilator support after his health deteriorated. His death has left Malayalam cinema and fans worldwide in deep grief
The Battle of Health by Salim Kumar
Salim Kumar is said to have been dealing with multiple health conditions for a long time. The New Indian Express reported that he had cirrhosis of the liver, kidney-related diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A year ago, he also underwent a liver transplant, after being diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver.The actor was admitted to the hospital after his condition worsened. Doctors put him on ventilator support while he was being treated. However, he reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest and died on Saturday night, ending his career entertaining generations of listeners.
Mammootty emotional goodbye
Soon after the news broke, tributes started pouring in from the Malayalam film industry. Veteran actor Mammootty shared an emotional message remembering Salim Kumar.He tweeted, “Laugh and laugh and think and think and cry and cry and cry and cry.”(“Salim, who laughed and made others laugh, who thought and made others think, who wept in between and made others weep, now we can only weep…Brother, your loss has become an endless sorrow”).
Political leaders and movie characters react
Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan also paid tribute to the late actor and recalled their personal bond.He tweeted, “He wasn’t just the prince of laughter for me – #SalimKumar was a very connected soul, fearless in his political beliefs and proud to say he joined the Congress. A versatile genius who can make us laugh and cry with the same face. Malayalam cinema lost a legend, and I lost a brother.’According to IANS reports, several members of the Malayalam film industry visited the hospital after his death. Among them were actors DileepActor and MLA Ramesh Pisharody and filmmaker-actor Nadirshah.
Fans remember the unforgettable performer
Fans also took to social media to express their sadness. Many remembered the actor’s unforgettable comic characters and emotionally powerful performances.A fan tweeted, “I can never forget this emotional jolt I felt watching Anwar Rasheed’s BRIDGE KERALA CAFE a decade ago. Rest in peace Salim Kumar, one of my favorite proofs that actors who can do comedy can do anything.”Another wrote, “sreenivasan, salim kumar, mamukoya etc these legends Their characters their dialogues never fade. THANK YOU ALL”From unforgettable comedy scenes to award-winning performances, Salim Kumar created a legacy that spanned generations.
