Kochi, 7 June 

National Award-winning Malayalam actor Salim Kumar, who rose from Kerala's mimicry circuit to become one of the most versatile performers in Malayalam cinema, died at a private hospital here while undergoing treatment for pneumonia, family sources said. He was 56.

He died at around 10.43pm on Saturday.

The actor, who had undergone a liver transplant a few years ago, was admitted to the hospital on Saturday and placed on ventilator support. According to family sources, Kumar suddenly developed health complications and was rushed to the hospital, where he breathed his last.

A familiar face in Malayalam cinema, Kumar made his mark through mimicry and comedy before entering films in the late 1990s. Though he debuted in cinema in 1997, it was during the 2000s that his comic roles won him widespread popularity among audiences.

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.

He was also active in theatre and hosted comedy programmes on Malayalam television channels. Kumar made his film debut in 1997 with ‘Ishtamanu Nooru Vattam’, directed by Siddique-Shameer.

His major breakthrough came with ‘Satyameva Jayathe‘, which established him as one of Malayalam cinema's leading comedians.

After portraying comic roles in several successful films, Kumar demonstrated his versatility by taking on serious characters. His performance in director Kamal's ‘Perumazhakkalam‘ (2004) marked a turning point in his career.

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.

Known for his versatility, Salim Kumar successfully transitioned from comedy to serious character roles during a career spanning nearly three decades and acted in more than 300 films. His last screen appearance was a cameo role in ‘Bha Bha Ba’, released in 2025.

Salim also ventured into filmmaking as a writer and director. His film "Karutha Joothan" won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Story in 2017. Despite his immense popularity in the film industry, Kumar never concealed his political leanings and openly identified himself as a supporter of the Congress party.

While studying at Maharaja's College in Kochi, he was an active KSU worker and served as Arts Club Secretary. Kumar had often spoken about his father's deep commitment to the Congress and said he had been attending party programmes from a young age.

During the recent Kerala Assembly election, Kumar openly supported the Congress-led UDF, appearing alongside its leaders on several occasions and criticising the LDF leadership. Chief Minister VD Satheesan expressed deep grief over Kumar's demise, describing him as "more than a film star" and "a brother and family member".

"Salim Kumar was the pride of North Paravur. Born into an ordinary family that faced poverty and hardships, he rose to the pinnacle of Indian cinema by winning the National Award," Satheesan said in a condolence message.

People from the film industry and political sphere expressed grief over his demise. Actor Mammootty, in a Facebook post, wrote: "Salim, you laughed and made others laugh, you thought deeply and made others think, and at times you cried and made others cry. But now, you only make us cry. Your departure has become an endless sorrow, brother."

Actor and Congress MLA Ramesh Pisharody shared photographs from their mimicry days on Facebook and wrote: "The guiding light has gone out."

Actor Manju Warrier also posted Kumar's photograph on social media and wrote: "An actor lives forever."

Union Minister Suresh Gopi visited the hospital and paid his last respects. "He was an extraordinary person who discovered new dimensions in comedy. I had the opportunity to work with him in several films. Even though our political views differed, we shared a close bond," Gopi told reporters

AICC General Secretary and MP KC Venugopal remembered Kumar as a lifelong Congress supporter and a close personal friend whose humour, affection and political convictions left a lasting impact on everyone around him.

"Kumar often recalled an incident from his school days when his father took him to garland an important leader. Only later did he realise that the hands that gently touched his cheek while receiving the garland belonged to none other than K Karunakaran. It was then, perhaps, that another Salim Kumar was born - a committed Congress worker from head to toe," Venugopal said.

His mortal remains were later brought to the North Paravur Town Hall for public viewing. The final rites will be held at his residence, Laughing Villa, in North Paravur later in the evening with police honours.

He is survived by wife Sunitha and two sons, Chandu and Aaromal. Chandu appeared in the blockbuster Malayalam film ‘Manjummel Boys’.