Kerala Assembly pays homage to Salim Kumar, National Award-winning actor who died at 56

The Kerala Legislative Assembly paid homage to National Award-winning actor Salim Kumar following his passing on June 6, 2026. Salim Kumar, who was born on October 10, 1969, and passed away on June 6, 2026, was an Indian actor, director, and writer who worked predominantly in Malayalam cinema. He was 56 years old. Over a career spanning three decades, he appeared in more than 300 films.

From mimicry stages to the National Award

Before entering the film industry, Kumar was a prominent figure in Kerala’s mimicry circuit, performing extensively across the state and abroad with Kalabhavan before going on to form his own troupe.

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He made his film debut in 1997 with “Ishtamanu Nooru Vattam”, directed by Siddique-Shameer. It was during the 2000s that his comedy roles won him widespread popularity among audiences. His major breakthrough came with “Satyameva Jayathe”, which established him as one of Malayalam cinema’s leading comedians.

Also Read: Salim Kumar, only Malayalam comedian to win National Award for Best Actor, dead at 56

He received the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor for his performance in “Achanurangatha Veedu” in 2005 and went on to win both the National Film Award and the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor for his acclaimed role in “Adaminte Makan Abu” in 2010.

His other accolades include the Kerala State Film Award for Best Comedian for “Ayalum Njanum Thammil” (2013), Best Story Writer for “Karutha Joothan” (2016), and the Kerala State Television Award for Best Actor in 2013.

His last screen appearance was a cameo role in “Bha Bha Ba”, released in 2025.

The final days

On June 6, 2026, Kumar was admitted to Amrita Hospital, Kochi due to physical difficulties in the morning, and was put on a ventilator after his health condition deteriorated. At 10:43 pm IST, he was pronounced dead. The actor had undergone a liver transplant a few years ago.

His mortal remains were kept at North Paravur Town Hall for public homage from 9 am to 1 pm. Thousands of fans, colleagues, and well-wishers gathered to pay their respects. The Government of Kerala expressed “profound grief” over his demise and confirmed that the funeral would be conducted with official honours.

His funeral was held with official honours at his residence. In keeping with his wishes, the funeral was conducted without religious rites. Salim Kumar had reportedly instructed that no post-funeral rituals, including the immersion of ashes, be performed. His sons, Chandu and Aromal, lit the funeral pyre.

Leaders react

Chief Minister V D Satheesan, who led the homage at the Assembly, spoke of a personal loss. He said Malayalam cinema had lost one of its most talented performers, while he himself had lost a cherished friend and brother. He recalled Kumar as a person who never hesitated to express his political convictions and remained steadfast in defending his beliefs regardless of personal consequences.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was deeply saddened by the passing of the veteran actor, praising his versatility and memorable performances across a wide range of roles.

Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan called him a uniquely gifted artist whose journey from mimicry to national recognition left a lasting impact on cinema.

Actors Mammootty, Mohanlal, Harisree Ashokan, Jayaram, Shweta Menon, and Navya Nair, among others, expressed deep grief over his passing.