Veteran Malayalam Actor Salim Kumar Dies at 56 After Health Complications

National Award-winning Malayalam actor Salim Kumar passed away at a private hospital in Kochi at the age of 56 following a sudden deterioration in health. He died on Saturday night while undergoing treatment for pneumonia and related complications , family sources said.

The actor had been admitted to the hospital earlier in the day after his condition worsened rapidly. He was placed on ventilator support as doctors attempted emergency treatment. Reports also indicated that he had a long medical history, including a liver transplant and multiple liver-related ailments , which contributed to his fragile health condition in recent years.

He reportedly breathed his last around 10:43 pm on Saturday after suffering severe complications. While initial statements confirmed pneumonia, later reports suggested that a sudden cardiac arrest-like collapse also contributed to his death amid multi-organ stress.

A towering presence in Malayalam cinema, Kumar began his career through mimicry and stage comedy before entering films in the late 1990s. He made his debut in 1997 and rose to prominence in the 2000s with his unique blend of humour and character-driven performances.

He earned critical acclaim for his role in Achanurangatha Veedu , winning the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor , and later reached the peak of his career with Adaminte Makan Abu , for which he won both the National Film Award for Best Actor and the Kerala State Film Award.

Beyond comedy, Kumar was widely respected for his successful transition into serious and socially relevant roles, making him one of the most versatile performers in contemporary Malayalam cinema.

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan described him as “more than a film star,” recalling his journey from a modest background in North Paravur to national recognition. He also noted that the actor had made a recent public appearance at a local event shortly before his health declined.

According to reports, arrangements are being made for his funeral at his residence in North Paravur , where he is expected to be laid to rest amid public homage.

The actor is survived by his wife Sunitha and two children, as the Malayalam film industry continues to mourn the loss of one of its most influential and beloved performers.