Kochi, Jun 14 (PTI) Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Sunday said that National Award-winning actor Salim Kumar could never be removed from the hearts of Keralites and would continue to live on through the love and affection he earned during his life.
Speaking at a condolence meeting held at Paravur here, Satheesan said Kumar’s death had come as a shock, and it felt as though a member of our own family had been taken away.
“No one can remove Kumar from our hearts. In that special place reserved for family, loved ones and those who truly care for us, Kumar will always remain,” the CM added.
Satheesan said Kumar had brought laughter into countless households through his humour and performances.
“We laughed not only when we watched him on screen; we continued to laugh later, remembering his expressions and dialogues. Such was the place he occupied in people’s hearts,” he said.
The chief minister noted that even today a large number of social media memes continued to feature Kumar’s expressions and characters, reflecting the enduring popularity of his performances.
“He had an extraordinary ability to portray everyday situations and relatable people. Through those characters, he made generations laugh,” he said.
Satheesan said Kumar had also proved himself to be much more than a comedian through his critically acclaimed performance in the National Award-winning film “Adaminte Makan Abu”.
“That award was not just Kumar’s achievement. It belonged to all who loved him, to his family and to the people of Paravur, whom he considered his own family,” he said.
The CM praised the actor’s dedication to cinema and his steadfast commitment to the political ideals he had embraced from his student days.
“He believed that cinema was his life. He waited patiently for years for opportunities, and when they finally came, he made each one memorable,” he said.
Satheesan said Kumar never diluted his convictions or hesitated to express his views openly despite possible consequences.
“Few people possess the courage to hold firmly to their convictions without compromise. He never hesitated to express his views openly,” he said.
Recalling their personal relationship, Satheesan said the loss felt like that of a brother and close companion.
“Whenever one thought about Paravur, one thought about Kumar. During floods, elections, or whenever help was needed, he would be there,” he said.
Satheesan also recalled the last public event they attended together after he assumed office as Chief Minister.
“He held my hand and said he felt as though everything in his life had been fulfilled after witnessing me take the oath as Chief Minister. Looking back now, those words feel like a farewell,” Satheesan said.
National Award-winning Malayalam actor Kumar, who rose from Kerala’s mimicry circuit to become one of the most versatile performers in Malayalam cinema, died at a private hospital in Kochi on June 6. PTI TBA TBA KH
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