National Award-winning actor Salim Kumar dies at 56

• National Award-winning Malayalam actor Salim Kumar passed away in Kochi on June 6. He was 56.

• A popular actor in Malayalam cinema, Kumar first gained recognition through mimicry and comedy before entering films in the late 1990s. 

• It was during the 2000s that his comedy roles won him widespread popularity among audiences.

• Kumar successfully transitioned from comedy to serious character roles during a career spanning nearly three decades and acted in more than 300 films.

• He received the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor for his performance in ‘Achanurangatha Veedu’ in 2005.

• In 2010, he won both the National Film Award and the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor for his role in ‘Adaminte Makan Abu’ in 2010.

• Kumar also ventured into filmmaking as a writer and director.

• His film ‘Karutha Joothan’ won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Story in 2017.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the passing away of Salim Kumar, and said he made a mark with his versatility and memorable performances across a wide range of roles.