Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan remembered Salim Kumar as his own “brother” even as condolences poured in from different corners for the versatile Malayalam actor who passed away in Kochi on Saturday (June 6, 2026) night at the age of 57.

Also read | Versatile actor Salim Kumar passes away aged 57

Mr. Satheesan said that he was at short of words to mourn Salim Kumar, who was like a member of his own family. “The last public function attended by Salim Kumar was a civic reception accorded to me by the people of Paravur. He was all smiles that day though he was frail. Salim Kumar was a proud son of North Paravur,” the Chief Minister said.

Mr. Satheesan said even when many in the film fraternity were reluctant to make their political stands clear, Salim Kumar came out in the open as a Congress supporter without eyeing any positions or gains. The Chief Minister remembered that Salim Kumar had considered it as a right to inaugurate his campaign committee office in Paravur during every election.

Mourning Salim Kumar, Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan said that his death has caused an irreparable loss to the Malayalam cinema. “His voyage from being a mimicry artiste to an actor par excellence who won the national award will keep inspiring budding talents,” Mr. Vijayan said in his condolences message.

BJP State president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, MLA, condoled the death of Salim Kumar, saying the actor had left a signature in Malayalam cinema. “Beyond humour, he excelled in his acting skills by playing strong characters that touched many a heart,” he said.

AICC general secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal MP remembered that courage was a defining quality of Salim Kumar. “I had shared a personal bond with Salim Kumar. He was never bothered about the consequences of declaring his political stands,” Mr. Venugopal said.

Union Minister of State and BJP leader Suresh Gopi remembered his fellow actor as someone who created a “new language of humour”. State Ministers Ramesh Chennithala, P.C. Vishnunadh, Sunny Joseph, and T. Siddique were among those who mourned the actor.

Hundreds of people from various walks of life, including cinema and politics, were paying final respects to Salim Kumar at Paravur Town Hall, where his mortal remains have been kept since 9 a.m. The funeral will be held at his residential premises in North Paravur at 3 p.m. with full State honours.