Who was National Award winner Salim Kumar? Worked in more than 300 films, PM Modi to these South actors paid tribute
Who Was Salim Kumar: Veteran actor, writer and director of Malayalam cinema Salim Kumar has passed away. He breathed his last at the age of just 56. After this news came out, there was a wave of mourning in the film industry. He worked in more than 300 films in his three decade long career. In which he played every role from comedy to serious character. Many big stars including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Malayalam superstar Mammootty, Prithviraj Sukumaran have expressed grief and paid tribute to the demise of this National Award winner actor. Let us know who Salim Kumar was and why he is considered a veteran artist in Malayalam cinema.
The journey started as a mimicry artist
Salim Kumar was born on 10 October 1969 in Kerala. Before entering the film world, he used to do mimicry. After this he gradually made his mark as a theater artist. He became quite famous on local forums due to his wonderful voice, expression and comic timing.
After this, Salim Kumar started his film career in the year 1997. He made his debut with the Malayalam film ‘Ishtamanu Nooru Vattam’. Although, he did small roles in the initial phase, but due to his talent, he soon made his mark in the industry.
Did comedy and serious roles
Salim Kumar got most popularity from comedy films. His comic timing in films like ‘Punjabi House’, ‘CID Moosa’ and ‘Thenkasipatnam’ was greatly appreciated by the audience. His screen presence added life to the film. However, calling him only a comedian would be unfair to his talent. With time, Salim also allowed himself to play serious characters. This was the reason why he was able to make the audience laugh as well as make them emotional.
Created history by winning National Award
The biggest milestone in Salim Kumar’s career came in the year 2010, when he was honored with the Best Actor National Award for the film ‘Adaminte Makan Abu’. His acting in this film was appreciated across the country. Apart from the National Award, he had won many state level awards.
make you laugh, make you laugh, make you think, make you think
Salim made me cry and made him cry
Now you just make me cry…My brother, I am saddened by your loss… pic.twitter.com/954P7IBhcw
— Mammootty (@mammukka) June 6, 2026
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The actor was struggling with illness
According to reports, Salim Kumar was struggling with health related problems for some time. He had serious problems related to kidney and liver. Meanwhile, his condition worsened and he breathed his last in a private hospital in Kochi on the night of 6 June 2026. The Kerala government has expressed deep condolences on his demise.
PM Modi and stars paid tribute
Expressing grief over the demise of Salim Kumar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he played many memorable roles in his illustrious career and left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. My condolences are with his family and fans in this hour of grief. Om Shanti. Apart from PM Modi, actors Suresh Gopi, actor and filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran and actor Kunchacko Boban also expressed grief over his demise. Also paid tribute to him.
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…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 7, 2026
make you laugh, make you laugh, make you think, make you think
Salim made me cry and made him cry
Now you just make me cry…My brother, I am saddened by your loss… pic.twitter.com/954P7IBhcw
— Mammootty (@mammukka) June 6, 2026
#WATCH | Kochi, Kerala | On the demise of renowned Malayalam actor and National Award winner Salim Kumar, actor Navya Nair says, “…We used to travel to the locations together so we used to have a very real relationship with each other and he is a person who spreads a lot of… pic.twitter.com/sEYf2o1yFV
— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2026
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