Kochi , 06 June (H.S.)

Malayalam actor, filmmaker and National Award winner Salim Kumar passed away on Saturday night while undergoing treatment at Amrita Hospital in Kochi. He was 56.

Hospital sources said the actor's health had deteriorated significantly in recent days, forcing doctors to place him on ventilator support. A team of specialists had been monitoring his condition closely, but despite intensive medical care, he succumbed to multiple health complications late on Saturday.

Salim Kumar had been battling a series of health problems for several years, particularly liver-related ailments. The actor had openly spoken about suffering from liver cirrhosis, stressing that the condition was hereditary and not linked to alcohol consumption. He had revealed that his brother, who did not consume alcohol, suffered from the same illness.

In several interviews, Salim Kumar candidly recounted one of the most difficult periods of his life, when he sought treatment from unqualified practitioners whose interventions worsened his condition. He also spoke about the loneliness and emotional struggles he faced during that time.

Born in Chittatukara near North Paravur in Ernakulam district, Salim Kumar began his career as a mimicry artist before making a successful transition to cinema. He went on to become one of Malayalam cinema's most beloved performers, earning immense popularity through his unique comic timing and memorable character portrayals.

In the later phase of his career, Salim Kumar reinvented himself as a powerful character actor. His finest achievement came with Adaminte Makan Abu, for which he won the National Film Award for Best Actor in 2010. The critically acclaimed film also won the Kerala State Film Award that year and remains one of the most celebrated works in Malayalam cinema.

He also won the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor for his acclaimed performance in Achanurangatha Veedu (2005), a role that showcased his dramatic range beyond comedy. In 2013, he received the Kerala State Television Award for Best Actor for his contribution to television.

Apart from acting, Salim Kumar ventured into filmmaking. His directorial venture Karutha Joothan earned him the 2017 Kerala State Film Award for Best Story, further highlighting his versatility as an artist.

Over a career spanning more than three decades and hundreds of films, Salim Kumar left an indelible mark on Malayalam cinema through his comedy, character roles and creative contributions. His death marks the end of an era, leaving behind a rich legacy that will continue to inspire generations of actors and film lovers.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman