Salim Kumar, another of the old guard remembered by generations of Malayalis across the world, breathed his last on Saturday night.
Aged just 56, the veteran actor had been admitted to a private hospital in Kochi just hours before his death, and was put on a ventilator after his health worsened.
This comes after the actor struggled with hereditary liver cirrhosis for years, even getting a transplant a few years ago.
Though one of his biggest achievements is the National Film Award for Best Actor in 2010 for his role in Adaminte Makan Abu—India's official entry to the 84th Academy Awards, he is best known for his iconic comedy roles, especially in films like Kalyanaraman, Pandippada, Chathikkatha Chanthu, and Thommanum Makkalum.
He also won four Kerala State Film Awards over a broad career spanning more than 300 films—including a few that he directed.
Born on October 9, 1969 in Ernakulam's Chittethukara as Salim, a decision his father made to hide his religion, the actor was later urged to use his surname, Kumar, by his school teacher.
After completing his undergraduate education, he enrolled at Kochi's Maharajas College with the hope of entering the world of cinema.
From mimicry performances at school to art festivals and touring with troupes such as Cochin Kalabhavan and Sagar, Kumar worked hard over the years to finally land his first film, Ishtamand Nuruvattam.
Acting for the film began the day after his marriage to Sunitha on September 14, 1996, but it would take about four more years before he truly burst onto the film scene with Thenkasipattanam in 2000, which made him a household name.
Starring in more than 300 films, which includes memorable cameos in C.I.D. Moosa and Gramophone, Kumar also directed films such as Compartment, Karuta Juthan, and Deivame Kai Thozham K.Kumarakanam.
Over the course of his career, he also memorably took on serious roles as well.
Salim Kumar's state award wins include Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Achanurangatha Veeda (2005), Best Actor for Adaminte Makan Abu (2010), Best Comedian for Ayaalum Njanum Thammil (2013), and Best Screenplay for Karuta Juthan in 2016.
He is survived by his wife, Sunitha, and his two sons Aromal and Chandu, who is also an actor.
