Kochi, 07 June (H.S.):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday led tributes to veteran Malayalam actor Salim Kumar, whose death has cast a pall of grief over Kerala and the Indian film industry.

Expressing his condolences, Modi described Salim Kumar as a versatile performer whose distinguished career and memorable roles earned him admiration across generations.

“Deeply saddened by the passing of veteran actor Shri Salim Kumar Ji. Over the course of a distinguished career, he made a mark with his versatility and memorable performances across a wide range of roles. My thoughts are with his family and countless admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.

Salim Kumar passed away late Saturday night at a private hospital in Kochi following health complications. He was 56. His mortal remains were placed at the North Paravur Town Hall on Sunday morning, where thousands of admirers gathered to pay their final respects. The actor will be laid to rest at his residence in North Paravur later on Sunday.

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said Malayalam cinema had lost one of its finest artistes and that he had personally lost “a brother.” Remembering his long association with the actor, Satheesan said Salim Kumar was a man of conviction who never hesitated to express his beliefs and stood firmly by them.

“Salim Kumar showed world-class excellence across different dimensions of performance. While one side of his face brought laughter to audiences, the other carried emotions that could move people to tears,” the Chief Minister said.

Megastar Mammootty described Salim Kumar as an irreplaceable talent whose remarkable journey from comedy to powerful character roles inspired an entire generation of actors. Mohanlal remembered him as a unique performer whose warmth, humour and emotional depth made him one of Malayalam cinema’s most cherished artistes.

A master of comedy who later evolved into one of Malayalam cinema’s most acclaimed character actors, Salim Kumar won the National Film Award for Best Actor for his outstanding performance in “Adaminte Makan Abu.” He also received multiple Kerala State Film Awards and earned widespread acclaim during a career spanning more than three decades.

Survived by his wife Sunitha and sons Chandu and Aaromal, Salim Kumar leaves behind a rich legacy of unforgettable performances that entertained, inspired and moved audiences across the world. His passing marks the end of an era in Malayalam cinema.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman