PM Modi mourns Salim Kumar’s demise, Calls him a versatile performer as thousands gather for final farewell

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the death of Malayalam actor Salim Kumar. The veteran actor passed away late on Saturday night at a private hospital in Kochi after facing health complications.PM Modi remembered him as a versatile performer. In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister said, “Deeply saddened by the passing of veteran actor Shri Salim Kumar Ji. Over the course of a distinguished career, he made a mark with his versatility and memorable performances across a wide range of roles. My thoughts are with his family and countless admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.” On Sunday morning, Salim Kumar’s mortal remains were placed at the North Paravur Town Hall for public homage as per IANS. Thousands of fans gathered to pay their final respects to the actor. Many stood in long queues to get a final glimpse of the beloved star. His funeral is scheduled to take place at his residence in North Paravur later in the evening.Several prominent personalities from the Malayalam film industry paid tribute to Salim Kumar. Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said Malayalam cinema had lost a gifted artist and that he had personally lost “a brother”. Mammootty described him as an irreplaceable talent whose journey from comedy to powerful character roles inspired many actors. Mohanlal remembered him as a unique performer whose warmth, humour and emotional depth made him one of Malayalam cinema’s most cherished artistes.Salim Kumar won the National Film Award for Best Actor in 2010 for ‘Adaminte Makan Abu’. He also received Kerala State Film Awards for ‘Achanurangatha Veedu’ and ‘Karutha Joothan’.