Salim Kumar passes away at 56; Mammootty to Dileep share emotional tributes; Malayalam cinema mourns huge loss

National Award-winning Malayalam actor and director Salim Kumar passed away on the night of June 6 at a private hospital in Kochi after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 56. The veteran actor had been placed on ventilator support after his health condition worsened earlier in the day. His demise has left Malayalam cinema and fans across the world in deep griefSalim Kumar had reportedly been dealing with multiple health conditions for a long period. According to The New Indian Express reports, he had liver cirrhosis, kidney-related ailments and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Years ago, he had also undergone a liver transplant after being diagnosed with liver cirrhosis.The actor was admitted to the hospital after his condition deteriorated. Doctors had placed him on ventilator support while he was undergoing treatment. However, he reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest on Saturday night and passed away, ending a career that entertained generations of audiences.Soon after the news emerged, tributes began pouring in from across the Malayalam film industry. Veteran actor Mammootty shared an emotional message remembering Salim Kumar.He Tweeted, "ചിരിക്കുകയും ചിരിപ്പിക്കുകയും ചിന്തിക്കുകയും ചിന്തിപ്പിക്കുകയും ഇടയ്ക്ക് കരയുകയും കരയിപ്പിക്കുകയും ചെയ്ത സലീം നി ഇപ്പോൾ കരയിപ്പിക്കുക മാത്രമാണ്........... തീരാത്ത സങ്കടം ആയി സഹോദരാ നിന്റെ വിയോഗം..."("Salim, who laughed and made others laugh, who thought and made others think, who cried and made others cry in between, is now only making us cry... Brother, your loss has become an endless sorrow.")Leader of Opposition V. D. Satheesan also paid tribute to the late actor and recalled their personal bond.He Tweeted, "He wasn’t just the prince of laughter to me — #SalimKumar was a deeply connected soul, fearless in his political beliefs and proud to say he stood with Congress. A versatile genius who could make us laugh and cry with the same face. Malayalam cinema lost a legend, and I lost a brother."According to IANS reports, several members of the Malayalam film industry visited the hospital following his demise. Among them were actor Dileep, actor and MLA Ramesh Pisharody, and filmmaker-actor Nadirshah.Fans also took to social media to express their sorrow. Many remembered the actor's unforgettable comic characters and emotionally powerful performances.One fan tweeted, "can never forget this emotional jolt I felt a decade ago while watching Anwar Rasheed's BRIDGE in KERALA CAFE. Rest easy to Salim Kumar, one of my favourite proofs of the saying that actors who can do comedy can do anything."Another wrote, "sreenivasan, Salim Kumar, mamukoya, etc these legends Their characters their dialogue never fades away. THANK YOU ALL"From unforgettable comedy scenes to award-winning performances, Salim Kumar created a legacy that crossed generations.