Kerala Bids Final Farewell to Actor Salim Kumar with State Honours

The National Award-winning performer, who transitioned from mimicry stages to the heights of Malayalam cinema, was laid to rest at his Ernakulam home in a ceremony marked by public grief and state recognition.

The curtains closed on a storied career this Sunday, June 7, 2026, as the state of Kerala bid an emotional adieu to beloved actor and filmmaker Salim Kumar. The 57-year-old artist, who passed away on Saturday following a cardiac arrest at a private hospital in Kochi, was cremated with full state honours at his residence, 'Laughing Villa,' in Chittattukara, North Paravur.

Adhering strictly to the actor's final wishes, the last rites were conducted without religious rituals. His sons, Chanthu and Aromal, performed the final journey, lighting the funeral pyre at 3:45 p.m. as thousands gathered to witness the departure of a performer whose mastery of comedy and poignant drama defined a generation of Malayalam cinema.

A Public Outpouring of Grief

Before the private rites at his home, the actor’s mortal remains were kept at the North Paravur Municipal Town Hall from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to allow the public to pay their last respects. The atmosphere remained sombre as fans, colleagues, and political leaders queued to honour a man who had become a household name through his humble beginnings as a mimicry artiste.

District Collector G. Priyanka represented the state government, laying a wreath on the mortal remains as a mark of official respect. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, who shared a long-standing personal bond with the actor, attended the proceedings at both the town hall and the funeral site, visibly moved by the loss of a close friend.

A Legacy of Laughter and Craft

The sheer breadth of the attendance highlighted the deep respect Salim Kumar commanded within the industry. Dignitaries, including AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal, Deputy Speaker Shanimol Osman, Minister for Culture P.C. Vishnunadh, and MP Hibi Eden, were present to offer their condolences. The film fraternity was well-represented by veterans and contemporaries alike, including actors Ramesh Pisharody, Jayaram, Dileep, Harisree Ashokan, and Navya Nair, alongside producers and filmmakers like Kamal and Mahesh Narayanan.

While titans of the industry like Mammootty and Mohanlal were out of the state, they took to social media to express their grief, highlighting the profound impact Salim Kumar had on the Malayalam film landscape. His ability to balance side-splitting comedy with deeply moving dramatic performances earned him a National Award and a permanent place in the hearts of the audience.

As the state mourns, the legacy of the actor remains secure. His career trajectory—from the mimicry circuit to the pinnacle of acting—serves as a testament to his perseverance and raw talent. By choosing to eschew tradition in his final hour, he stayed true to the unconventional spirit that made him one of the most relatable and cherished icons of his time.