'Adaminte Makan Abu' Actor Salim Kumar Dies At 56; Mammootty Says, "Now, All You Do Is Make Me Cry"

The Malayalam film industry is grieving the loss of veteran actor, writer and director Salim Kumar, who passed away at the age of 56 on Saturday night. Known for his remarkable versatility and unforgettable performances across comedy and drama, the National Award-winning actor's death has left colleagues, fans and political leaders deeply saddened. He was undergoing treatment at a private hospital when he breathed his last.

Hospitalised Following Health Complications

According to family sources, Salim Kumar had been admitted to a private hospital after developing serious health complications. He was reportedly suffering from pneumonia and was placed on ventilator support during treatment.

The actor passed away at around 10.43 pm on Saturday while receiving medical care. Family members said his condition deteriorated suddenly, prompting doctors to provide intensive support. Salim Kumar had undergone a liver transplant several years ago.

He is survived by his wife Sunitha and their two children.

Mammootty and Political Leaders Pay Tribute

Tributes poured in from across Kerala and the Malayalam film fraternity following the actor's demise. Superstar Mammootty shared an emotional message on X, remembering his long-time colleague and friend.

He wrote, "Salim, who laughed and made others laugh, thought and made others think, and occasionally cried and made others cry, now, all you do is make me cry. Your departure, dear brother, has become an unending sorrow..."

ചിരിക്കുകയും ചിരിപ്പിക്കുകയും ചിന്തിക്കുകയും ചിന്തിപ്പിക്കുകയും
ഇടയ്ക്ക് കരയുകയും കരയിപ്പിക്കുകയും ചെയ്ത സലീം
നി ഇപ്പോൾ കരയിപ്പിക്കുക മാത്രമാണ്...........

തീരാത്ത സങ്കടം ആയി സഹോദരാ നിന്റെ വിയോഗം... pic.twitter.com/954P7IBhcw

— Mammootty (@mammukka) June 6, 2026

Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan also expressed grief over the actor's passing. In his tribute on X, he wrote, "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."

Several prominent personalities from the Malayalam entertainment industry visited the hospital where Salim Kumar had been admitted. Among those who paid their respects were actor Dileep, actor and MLA Ramesh Pisharody, and filmmaker Nadirshah.

From Comedy Stages to National Recognition

Salim Kumar enjoyed a career spanning more than three decades and appeared in over 300 films. Before entering cinema, he gained popularity as a host on the comedy programme Comicola. His journey in films began in 1997 with Ishtamanu Nooru Vattam.

A major turning point in his career came with the 2000 hit Thenkasipattanam, where he starred alongside Dileep. The film emerged as one of the year's biggest commercial successes and helped establish Salim Kumar as a household name.

He later collaborated with Dileep in several successful films, including Ee Parakkum Thalika and Meesa Madhavan. Through these performances, he became one of Malayalam cinema's most celebrated comic actors.

A Performer Who Excelled Beyond Comedy

While comedy brought him widespread fame, Salim Kumar later proved his range by taking on intense and emotionally powerful roles. His transition into serious cinema earned widespread acclaim from audiences and critics alike.

In 2010, he received the National Film Award for Best Actor for his acclaimed performance in Adaminte Makan Abu. He also found success behind the camera, with his directorial venture Karutha Joothan winning the Kerala State Film Award for Best Story in 2017.

Over the years, his achievements included the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor for Achanurangatha Veedu (2005) and the Kerala State Television Award for Best Actor in 2013.

With a body of work that ranged from laugh-out-loud comedies to deeply moving dramas, Salim Kumar leaves behind a legacy that has made a lasting mark on Malayalam cinema. His passing closes a significant chapter in the industry, but his performances will continue to be remembered by generations of film lovers.