Salim Kumar, known for numerous comedy roles in Malayalam cinema, has passed away during treatment in the hospital.
Trigger Warning: This article mentions someone’s demise, which could be triggering to some.
Salim Kumar, the actor known for his wide range of roles in Malayalam cinema since the 1990s, passed away on June 6, 2026, at the age of 56, according to a report by Manorama Online. The actor, predominantly known for his comedic performances, had recently been admitted to a private hospital in Ernakulam, Kerala, and was on ventilator support.
Reportedly, Salim Kumar had been undergoing treatment for pneumonia. During the course of treatment, the actor is said to have suffered a cardiac arrest, which led to his untimely demise. According to reports, he passed away at 10:43 PM.
As the news spread across the internet, several celebrities and fans shared heartfelt tributes, remembering the legacy he had built over the years.
Taking to his official social media handle, Prithviraj Sukumaran wrote, “Farewell, Salim-etta! Thank you for all the memories!” Meanwhile, Asif Ali also paid tribute by sharing a picture of the actor on his social media account.
Over the years, Salim Kumar carved out a niche for himself through the numerous comedy roles he portrayed in Malayalam cinema. He made his debut in Malayalam cinema with the 1997 family drama Ishtamanu Nooru Vattam, directed by Siddique Shameer. Since then, he had been part of several successful comedy films, establishing himself as one of the industry’s most beloved humorists.
Some of his notable films include the Dileep-starrer Kalyanaraman, Udayapuram Sulthan, Ee Parakkum Thalika, Meesha Madhavan, and CID Moosa.
Moreover, he appeared alongside several leading stars in films such as Mammootty’s Mayavi, Pattalam, Rajamanikyam, and Thommanum Makkalum; Mohanlal’s Kilichundan Mampazham and Christian Brothers; and Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Vellithira, Chocolate, and Pokiri Raja, among many others.
The actor won numerous Kerala State Film Awards throughout his career and also received the National Film Award for Best Actor in 2010 for Adaminte Makan Abu.