Kerala bids farewell to Salim Kumar

Kochi: From comic performances that endeared him to generations to award-winning performances in a few films that showcased his creative range, Salim Kumar’s remarkable journey came to an end on Sunday at his residence, ‘Laughing Villa’, in Paravur, where Kerala bid an emotional farewell to the actor with full state honours.

Respecting his wishes, his family did not observe religious rituals during the funeral. His sons, Chandu and Aromal, lit the funeral pyre.Thousands gathered at Paravur town hall on Sunday morning for a final glimpse of the actor, who had carved a niche for himself through memorable comic roles and unforgettable characters. Among those who paid homage were chief minister V D Satheesan, cultural affairs minister P C Vishnunadh, MP Hibi Eden and members of the film fraternity.

The CM consoled Kumar’s sons before leaving. Later, his body was taken to his residence, where colleagues and political leaders paid their last respects.

Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, home minister Ramesh Chennithala and KPCC chief Sunny Joseph were among those who conveyed their condolences.Recalling their close association, Satheesan said he had lost ‘a brother’. He said Kumar would cancel shooting schedules to accompany him during election campaigns and had inaugurated all his election committee offices.

“From his student days, he remained steadfast in his political convictions and Congress’ ideology. That made him different. I’m not expressing formal condolences to his family because that family is my family too.

I am a part of it,” he said.Satheesan said Kumar had the ability to bring people back to normalcy even in the most-difficult situations and added that Malayalis would never forget his expressions. He said Kumar had proved through Salim Ahmed’s art-house drama ‘Adaminte Makan Abu’ that he was much more than a comedian.

Kumar played an impoverished elderly bookseller desperate to fulfil his life’s dream of performing haj for which he shed his signature loud comedy style and replaced it with a quiet, deeply moving vulnerability.

The performance won him the national film award for best actor and the state film award, placing him alongside the finest dramatic actors in Indian cinema. During his career, he also received three more state film awards.Kumar was admitted to Amrita Hospital in Ernakulam on Saturday morning after his health deteriorated. He was on ventilator support when doctors declared him dead at 10.45pm. Sources said the 56-year-old actor suddenly developed health complications and suffered a cardiac arrest. State govt had announced that it would bear all expenses and make necessary arrangements for the funeral.