KOCHI: The Malayalam film industry and cultural fraternity on Sunday bid farewell to actor Salim Kumar, a day after his passing. From actors and politicians to ordinary people, thousands gathered to pay their last respects to an artist who entertained audiences for more than three decades.
His mortal remains were brought to the Paravur Municipal Town Hall around 9am. Some broke down while others sat in silence next to him.
“He was one of the artists who proudly elevated Malayalam cinema to some of the most distinguished spaces in Indian cinema. The untimely demise of Salim Kumar is a huge personal loss to all of us. Until his final days, he remained an artist who voiced his convictions openly and possessed a strong political awareness,” said P C Vishnunadh, Minister for Cultural Affairs, after paying homage to the 56-year-old.
Over the course of 300 Malayalam films, Salim Kumar collaborated with several actors and filmmakers.
Director Kamal said, “I met him during a monsoon season. He used to come to Kodungallur to watch films. One day, after watching a film, he came directly to my residence in the rain, asking for an opportunity. It was the beginning of our friendship. He became an actor and worked with me later in Gramophone.”
According to actor Navya Nair, Salim Kumar was a brother who supported her in difficult times. “I wanted to see him for one last time. We shared good times together. His demise shocked me, and his memories keep rushing back,” she said.
The public homage lasted for more than four hours and his close friends and colleagues Ramesh Pisharody, Nadirshah and Dileep, among others, stayed around their mentor. Seeing his close friend again, Chief Minister V D Satheesan struggled to hold back tears even as he consoled the late actor’s wife, Sunitha, and children, Chandu and Aaromal.
As his mortal remains were taken from the Town Hall to his residence, Laughing Villa in Chittattukara, senior Congress leaders draped the body with the flag of the Indian National Congress, paying tribute to his association with the party. He was cremated with full official honours in the evening, at his residence, with political leaders and actors in attendance.
