Veteran actor Salim Kumar was laid to rest with full state honours at his residence, ‘Laughing Villa’ in Chittattukara, North Paravur, on Sunday, June 7, 2026. The 56-year-old National Award winner had died on Saturday night at a private hospital in Kochi. Thousands of fans, film personalities and political figures gathered for the final rites, which concluded at 3:30 PM.
Mammootty and Mohanlal could not attend
The absence of Mammootty and Mohanlal was keenly felt. Producer and Kerala Film Producers’ Association representative Anto Joseph explained the circumstances to the media: one of the actors was travelling abroad on prior commitments, and the other was tied to a shooting schedule at a distant location.
Both had shared emotional tributes online. Mammootty’s note remembered a friend who made others laugh, think and cry, and called his passing “a grief without end.” Mohanlal wrote about losing a close personal friend both on and off screen, describing him as an artist of real social conscience who always spoke his mind honestly.
A state farewell
Earlier in the day, a public viewing at the Vadakkan Paravur Municipal Town Hall drew large crowds wanting a final glimpse of the actor. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, who had a long personal friendship with Salim Kumar rooted in their shared North Paravur background, arrived early to pay his respects and console the family, including the actor’s wife, Sunitha, and son, actor Chandu Salimkumar. The state administration had ordered full honours for the ceremony.
The film industry turned out in strength. Among those who attended were actors Dileep, Jayaram, Harisree Ashokan, Ramesh Pisharody, Sunny Wayne and Baburaj, directors Vinayan, Nadirshah and Balan: The Boy director Chidambaram, and political leaders Hibi Eden and P.C. Vishnunadh. Salim Kumar leaves behind a body of work spanning comedy and serious drama that secured his place in Malayalam cinema.
Leave a Reply