National Award-winning Malayalam actor Salim Kumar dies at 57
Salim Kumar, 57, a National Award-winning Indian actor, writer, director, and mimicry artist, died of cardiac arrest on June 6, 2026, at a private hospital in Kochi, Kerala. He was admitted with fever and shortness of breath and had pre-existing conditions including COPD, kidney disease, and coronary artery disease. His body was kept for public homage in North Paravur, and he was cremated with state honors on June 7. Condolences came from Prime Minister Modi, Rahul Gandhi, and film industry figures.
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Kerala Revised Budget Allocates ₹1 Crore for Memorial of Actor Salim Kumar
The Kerala government, in its revised state budget presented by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on June 19, 2026, has allocated ₹1 crore to establish a memorial for the late actor Salim Kumar in Ernakulam. Salim Kumar, a native of Chittattukara in North Paravur, passed away on June 6, 2026. He acted in over 250 films and won the National Film Award for Best Actor in 2010 for his role in 'Adaminte Makan Abu'. Friends and admirers, including mimicry artist K.S. Prasad and North Paravur municipality chairperson Ramesh D. Kurup, praised the decision as a fitting tribute to the actor's contributions to Malayalam cinema. The government will decide on the memorial's location.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Salim Kumar, acclaimed Malayalam actor and comedian, dies at 57
Salim Kumar, a National Award-winning actor, writer, director, and mimicry artiste, passed away on June 6, 2026, at age 57 due to cardiac arrest while hospitalized in Kerala. He was rushed to a private hospital with fever and shortness of breath and placed on ventilator support. Known as one of the most recognizable faces in Malayalam cinema, Kumar was widely mourned, with Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan calling him a 'brother' and a member of his family. Kumar was also famous for his off-screen persona and his popularity among meme creators, often joking about having been 'killed' over 15 times by fake death reports. He was cremated with state honors, and condolences poured in from national leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Prime Minister Modi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Mourn Malayalam Actor Salim Kumar
On June 7, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed condolences following the death of acclaimed Malayalam actor Salim Kumar. Modi praised Kumar's versatile roles and unforgettable performances. Gandhi called him a stalwart of Malayalam cinema and an irreplaceable loss, noting his ability to make audiences laugh and move them with dramatic depth. Priyanka Gandhi highlighted his contribution to Indian cinema. Salim Kumar, 57, died on June 6 in Kochi, and his funeral was held on June 7 in North Paravur, Ernakulam district, with state honors.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Malayalam actor Salim Kumar cremated with State honours
Malayalam actor and filmmaker Salim Kumar, 57, was cremated with State honours on June 7, 2026, at his residence Laughing Villa in Chittattukara, Ernakulam. He died of cardiac arrest on June 6 while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kochi. The funeral pyre was lit by his sons Chanthu and Aromal, with no religious rituals as per his wish. Thousands paid respects, including Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, political leaders, and film industry colleagues. His body was kept for public viewing at North Paravur Municipal Town Hall. Union Minister Suresh Gopi, actors Mohanlal and Mammootty (who condoled online), and many others paid tribute. Salim Kumar began as a mimicry artiste and won a National Award for Best Actor.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Versatile actor Salim Kumar passes away aged 57
Salim Kumar, a National Award-winning Indian actor, writer, director, and mimicry artist, died of cardiac arrest at a private hospital in Kochi on June 6, 2026, at 10:43 p.m. He was 57. Kumar was admitted in the early hours of June 6 with fever and shortness of breath and placed on ventilator support. He had a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease on maintenance haemodialysis, coronary artery disease, and had undergone a liver transplant. Despite life-saving measures including antibiotics and dialysis, he suffered a cardiac arrest and could not be revived. Born on October 10, 1969, in North Paravur, Kerala, he rose from mimicry to become a celebrated film figure. His mortal remains were kept for public homage in his hometown, with funeral held on June 7.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Versatile actor Salim Kumar passes away aged 57
Salim Kumar, a National Award-winning Indian actor, writer, director, and mimicry artist, died of cardiac arrest at a private hospital in Kochi on June 6, 2026, at 10:43 PM. He was 57. Kumar was admitted early that morning with fever and shortness of breath and placed on ventilator support. He had multiple pre-existing conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease on dialysis, coronary artery disease, and had undergone a liver transplant. Despite life-saving measures including antibiotics and dialysis, he suffered a cardiac arrest and could not be revived. His body was kept for public homage in his hometown, North Paravur, with funeral services held the following day. Born on October 10, 1969, in Chittattukara, he was named Salim by his atheist father and later added 'Kumar' at school insistence. He studied at local institutions before pursuing a BA at Maharaja's College, Kochi, driven by his dream of entering the film industry.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.