Mohanlal Mourns Salim Kumar: "A Dear Friend Both On and Off Screen"

Kochi: Actor Mohanlal has paid an emotional tribute to the late Salim Kumar on Facebook, describing him as a close personal friend beyond their on-screen collaborations. "Dear Salim Kumar has left us after gifting countless characters that made audiences laugh and think at the same time. A blessed artist who won the National Award. He was someone who helped others and embraced them with pure, brotherly love," Mohanlal wrote.

He added that Salim Kumar always had a strong civic consciousness — observing social issues and speaking his mind openly. "I had the privilege of acting with him in many films. He was a good friend of mine both inside and outside cinema. With deep pain, I offer my heartfelt condolences to my dear friend."

Salim Kumar passed away on Saturday night at Amrita Hospital, Edappally, after being placed on ventilator support following a sudden cardiac arrest while being treated for liver disease and pneumonia. He was 57. He is survived by his wife Sunitha and sons Chanthu and Aromal.