PM Modi mourns Salim Kumar's death, remembers actor's remarkable legacy
PM Narendra Modi has joined tributes pouring in for Malayalam actor Salim Kumar. Here's what the Prime Minister said while remembering the National Award-winning star.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the death of National Award-winning Malayalam actor Salim Kumar, remembering him as a versatile performer whose work left a lasting impact on Indian cinema.
Sharing a message on X on Sunday, Modi expressed grief over the actor's passing and extended his condolences to Kumar's family and admirers. The tribute comes a day after the veteran actor died at a private hospital in Kochi while undergoing treatment for pneumonia. He was 56.
What did PM Modi say?
In his post on X, the Prime Minister wrote, "Deeply saddened by the passing of veteran actor Shri Salim Kumar Ji. Over the course of a distinguished career, he made a mark with his versatility and memorable performances across a wide range of roles. My thoughts are with his family and countless admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti."
Chief Minister of Kerala V D Satheesan expressed deep sorrow over Kumar's death, describing him as "more than a film star" and calling him a brother and family member.
In his condolence message, Satheesan said Kumar rose from a modest background in North Paravur to become one of Indian cinema's most respected actors. He also recalled that the actor's last public appearance was at a reception organised by the people of Paravur just days ago.
Here's his post:
Actor Mammootty also expressed his grief:
Who was Salim Kumar?
One of Malayalam cinema's most beloved performers, Salim Kumar began his career as a mimicry artist before making his film debut in 1997. He went on to become one of the industry's most popular comedy actors, starring in several blockbuster films and creating characters and dialogues that remain part of everyday conversations among Malayalis.
Although comedy made him a household name, Kumar repeatedly demonstrated his versatility by taking on serious and emotionally layered roles. His ability to move seamlessly between humour and drama earned him widespread acclaim and cemented his place among Malayalam cinema's finest actors.
Which awards did he win?
Kumar received the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor for his performance in Achanurangatha Veedu. He later achieved national recognition when he won the National Film Award for Best Actor in 2010 for his critically acclaimed performance in Adaminte Makan Abu.
The film marked a turning point in his career, showcasing his range beyond comedy and earning him praise from critics and audiences alike. He also won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor for the same performance.
What was his life beyond cinema?
Beyond films, Kumar was a vocal supporter of the Congress party and actively campaigned for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) during the most recent Kerala Assembly election despite his frail health.
He is survived by his wife, Sunitha, two children, including actor Chandu Salim Kumar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the death of National Award-winning Malayalam actor Salim Kumar, remembering him as a versatile performer whose work left a lasting impact on Indian cinema.
Sharing a message on X on Sunday, Modi expressed grief over the actor's passing and extended his condolences to Kumar's family and admirers. The tribute comes a day after the veteran actor died at a private hospital in Kochi while undergoing treatment for pneumonia. He was 56.
What did PM Modi say?
In his post on X, the Prime Minister wrote, "Deeply saddened by the passing of veteran actor Shri Salim Kumar Ji. Over the course of a distinguished career, he made a mark with his versatility and memorable performances across a wide range of roles. My thoughts are with his family and countless admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti."
Chief Minister of Kerala V D Satheesan expressed deep sorrow over Kumar's death, describing him as "more than a film star" and calling him a brother and family member.
In his condolence message, Satheesan said Kumar rose from a modest background in North Paravur to become one of Indian cinema's most respected actors. He also recalled that the actor's last public appearance was at a reception organised by the people of Paravur just days ago.
Here's his post:
Actor Mammootty also expressed his grief:
Who was Salim Kumar?
One of Malayalam cinema's most beloved performers, Salim Kumar began his career as a mimicry artist before making his film debut in 1997. He went on to become one of the industry's most popular comedy actors, starring in several blockbuster films and creating characters and dialogues that remain part of everyday conversations among Malayalis.
Although comedy made him a household name, Kumar repeatedly demonstrated his versatility by taking on serious and emotionally layered roles. His ability to move seamlessly between humour and drama earned him widespread acclaim and cemented his place among Malayalam cinema's finest actors.
Which awards did he win?
Kumar received the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor for his performance in Achanurangatha Veedu. He later achieved national recognition when he won the National Film Award for Best Actor in 2010 for his critically acclaimed performance in Adaminte Makan Abu.
The film marked a turning point in his career, showcasing his range beyond comedy and earning him praise from critics and audiences alike. He also won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor for the same performance.
What was his life beyond cinema?
Beyond films, Kumar was a vocal supporter of the Congress party and actively campaigned for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) during the most recent Kerala Assembly election despite his frail health.
He is survived by his wife, Sunitha, two children, including actor Chandu Salim Kumar.
