Salim Kumar, Malayalam Actor and National Award Winner, Dies

Malayalam actor Salim Kumar died on 6 June 2026 in Kochi at the age of 56. He had a career of more than three decades in Malayalam cinema and acted in over 300 films.

Salim Kumar and Malayalam Cinema

Salim Kumar worked mainly in Malayalam films and was known for acting in comedy and character roles. Malayalam cinema is the film industry based in Kerala and is one of the major regional film industries in India.

National Film Award for Best Actor

Salim Kumar won the National Film Award for Best Actor in 2010 for Adaminte Makan Abu. The National Film Awards are among the most prominent film honours in India and are presented by the Government of India.

Final Rites and Public Tributes

His funeral was held with State honours at his residence, Laughing Villa, in Chittattukara, North Paravur, in Ernakulam district on 7 June 2026. The funeral was conducted without religious rites, and his sons Chandu and Aromal lit the pyre.

Important Facts for Exams

• Salim Kumar received the National Film Award for Best Actor in 2010 for Adaminte Makan Abu.
• He acted in more than 300 films during a career spanning over three decades.
• Malayalam cinema is associated with the Indian state of Kerala.
• National Film Awards are administered by the Government of India.

Salim Kumar was admitted to a private hospital in Kochi and was on ventilator support before his death. He had also undergone a liver transplant and was being treated for pneumonia.