Veteran Malayalam actor and comedian Salim Kumar passed away on June 6, 2026, at the age of 56, according to a report by Manorama Online. The National Award-winning actor had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Ernakulam, Kerala, where he was reportedly placed on ventilator support in recent days.
Salim Kumar passes away at 56
Reports suggest that Salim Kumar was receiving treatment for pneumonia when he suffered a cardiac arrest. Despite medical efforts, the actor reportedly passed away at 10:43 PM, leaving the Malayalam film industry and his admirers in deep shock.
As news of his demise emerged, tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry, with colleagues, friends, and fans remembering his immense contribution to Malayalam cinema.
Celebrities pay tribute
Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran mourned the loss by sharing a heartfelt message on social media. He wrote, “Farewell, Salim-etta! Thank you for all the memories!”
Meanwhile, actor Asif Ali also paid his respects by posting a photograph of the late actor on his social media handle.
A celebrated career spanning decades
Salim Kumar began his journey in Malayalam cinema with Ishtamanu Nooru Vattam in 1997. Over the years, he became one of the industry’s most loved comedians, earning widespread recognition for his impeccable comic timing and memorable screen presence.
Some of his most popular films include Kalyanaraman, Udayapuram Sulthan, Ee Parakkum Thalika, Meesha Madhavan, and CID Moosa. His performances in these films helped establish him as a household name among Malayalam movie audiences.
Beyond comedy, he also showcased his versatility in several acclaimed projects alongside some of the industry’s biggest stars. His filmography includes notable collaborations with Mammootty in Mayavi, Pattalam, Rajamanikyam, and Thommanum Makkalum; with Mohanlal in Kilichundan Mampazham and Christian Brothers; and with Prithviraj Sukumaran in films such as Vellithira, Chocolate, and Pokiri Raja.
National Award-winning performer
While widely celebrated for his comic roles, Salim Kumar also proved his prowess as a dramatic actor. His performance in Adaminte Makan Abu earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor in 2010, a milestone achievement in his distinguished career.
In addition, he received multiple Kerala State Film Awards, further cementing his place among Malayalam cinema’s most respected performers.
Final appearances and surviving family
In recent years, Salim Kumar had reduced his involvement in mainstream cinema, making occasional film appearances and attending select public events. His most recent on-screen appearance came in Bha Bha Ba, featuring Dileep and Mohanlal, where he made a special cameo appearance.
The veteran actor is also expected to be seen posthumously in upcoming projects such as Khalifa and Tiki Taka.
Salim Kumar is survived by his wife, Sunitha, and their two sons, Chandu and Aromal. His son Chandu Salim Kumar has also made a name for himself as an actor, appearing in films including Manjummel Boys, Malik, and Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra.
With a career that spanned nearly three decades, Salim Kumar leaves behind a remarkable legacy of laughter, memorable performances, and cinematic excellence that will continue to be cherished by generations of movie lovers.
