National Award-winning Malayalam actor Salim Kumar passed away in Kochi yesterday. He was undergoing treatment at a private hospital. He was 57. Kumar died around 10.45 pm on Saturday. Salim Kumar, who initially gained attention through mimicry stages and television comedy shows, entered cinema in 1996 through the movie ‘Ishtamanu Nooruvattam’ directed by Siddique Shameer. In a career spanning three decades, he acted in around 350 films. By presenting humor-centric characters in his unique style, Salim Kumar gave them a distinct dimension. He won the National Film Award for Best Actor and the State Film Award in 2010 for his performance in the movie ‘Adaminte Makan Abu’. Salim Kumar, who won the State Award for Best Supporting Actor for ‘Achanurangatha Veedu’ and Best Comedian for ‘Ayalum Njanum ‘. He also acted in Tamil films Appavin Meesai, Nedunchalai, and Maryan. He also acted in the Odia film ‘Oonga’ and the Bengali film ‘Mayabazar’. Public paying of respects will be held at the Paravur Town Hall from 9:00 AM onwards. Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan remembered that Salim Kumar was not just a film star but also a brother and a family member to him. The Chief Minister added that he was a rare talent who proved capable of handling any character role, not just comedy.