Tributes Pour In for Veteran Malayalam Actor Salim Kumar

Salim Kumar Laid to Rest with State Honors

On Sunday, June 7, veteran Malayalam actor Salim Kumar was cremated with state honors at his home in North Paravur, Ernakulam, Kerala. The ceremony was attended by family, political figures, celebrities, and fans. Salim Kumar passed away on June 6, 2026, at a private hospital in Kochi at the age of 56. He is survived by his wife, Sunitha, and their two sons, Chandu and Aaromal. During the funeral, Chandu expressed his frustration towards the paparazzi, who crowded the area during this difficult time, leading to a viral video of the incident.

Chandu Kumar Confronts Paparazzi

Chandu Kumar's Emotional Outburst

In a video circulating online, Chandu Kumar was visibly emotional at his father's funeral. After maintaining his composure for a while, he confronted the paparazzi, urging them to give the family some space to mourn. The atmosphere became tense as the crowd of photographers grew, prompting Chandu's outburst.

Celebrities Pay Their Respects

Salim Kumar's Funeral Attended by Many

The funeral saw a significant turnout from the Malayalam film industry, with actors like Meera Jasmine and Sandeep Pradeep paying their respects to the National Award-winning actor. Kerala's Chief Minister, VD Satheesan, also attended, recalling his close friendship with Salim Kumar. He expressed his sorrow, stating, “I have lost someone who was like a brother to me.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared his condolences on social media, expressing his sorrow over the loss of the beloved actor.

Salim Kumar's Legacy

A Glimpse into Salim Kumar's Career

With a career spanning over three decades, Salim Kumar appeared in more than 300 films. He received the National Film Award for Best Actor in 2010 for his role in 'Adaminte Makan Abu.' Recently, he had been hospitalized due to pneumonia, but his condition worsened, leading to his passing on Saturday night at 10:43 PM. Following the news of his death, many actors, including Mammootty and Prithviraj Sukumaran, expressed their condolences on social media.