National Award-winning Malayalam actor Salim Kumar passed away at a private hospital in Kochi on Saturday night while undergoing treatment for pneumonia-related complications. He was 56. According to reports, the veteran actor died around 10:43 pm after being admitted to the hospital earlier in the day, bringing to an end a distinguished career that spanned nearly three decades in the Malayalam film industry.

Hospital sources said Kumar had been placed on ventilator support after his health deteriorated suddenly. Reports indicated that the actor, who had undergone a liver transplant several years ago, suffered a cardiac arrest while receiving treatment. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues, political leaders, and fans across Kerala and the wider Indian film fraternity.

Kumar began his artistic journey through mimicry and stage performances before making his entry into Malayalam cinema in the late 1990s. Although he debuted in films in 1997, it was during the following decade that his comic performances earned him widespread popularity and established him as one of the most recognizable faces in the industry.

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Over the years, Kumar successfully expanded beyond comedy and earned acclaim for his serious and character-driven performances. He received the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor for his role in "Achanurangatha Veedu" and later won both the National Film Award and the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in "Adaminte Makan Abu," a role widely regarded as a milestone in his career.

Tributes poured in following the news of his death. Senior political leader V D Satheesan expressed deep sorrow, describing Kumar as more than a film star and recalling their close personal bond. In a message shared on social media, Satheesan praised the actor's versatility, noting that he possessed the rare ability to make audiences laugh and cry with equal ease while remaining outspoken about his beliefs.

Known for his effortless comic timing, emotional depth, and memorable screen presence, Kumar built a rich body of work that left a lasting impact on Malayalam cinema. His contributions as an actor, comedian, and performer earned him admiration across generations of viewers. He is survived by his wife, Sunitha, and their two children, while the film industry mourns the loss of one of its most beloved talents.

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