Kochi: Veteran Malayalam actor and filmmaker Salim Kumar was laid to rest on Sunday at his residence in North Paravur, with full state honours and in accordance with his final wishes. Thousands of fans, colleagues and political leaders gathered to bid an emotional farewell to one of Malayalam cinema’s most beloved performers.
The funeral took place in the compound of his home, where his sons Chandu and Aaromal performed the last rites. As requested by the actor, no religious rituals were conducted, and his ashes will not be immersed in a river. The body was draped with a Congress flag before being taken to the cremation site.
Earlier in the day, the actor’s body was kept for public homage at Paravur Town Hall, where thousands of admirers queued despite heavy rain to pay their respects. The mortal remains were later brought to his residence, known as “Laughing Villa,” for the final rites.
Salim Kumar passed away on June 6 at a private hospital in Kochi after suffering a cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment for multiple health complications. He was 56. His death triggered an outpouring of grief from across the film industry, political circles and fans worldwide.
Over a career spanning nearly three decades, Salim Kumar became one of Malayalam cinema’s most versatile actors, excelling in both comedy and serious roles. He won the National Award for Best Actor for his performance in Adaminte Makan Abu and delivered memorable performances in films such as CID Moosa, Kalyanaraman and Mayavi.
Tributes poured in from leading figures including Narendra Modi, who described him as a versatile performer, while fellow actors and fans remembered him as a rare talent who brought laughter and emotion to generations of viewers.
