Kochi, June 7 : Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Sunday paid an emotional tribute to veteran actor Salim Kumar, describing his death as not merely the loss of a gifted artist to Malayalam cinema, but a deeply personal loss of â??a brotherâ??.

The beloved actor, who passed away late Saturday night at a private hospital in Kochi following health complications, will be laid to rest at his residence in North Paravur on Sunday evening. He was 56.

In a heartfelt condolence message, CM Satheesan said Malayalam cinema has lost one of its most talented performers, while he has lost a cherished friend and brother.

He recalled Salim Kumar as a person who never hesitated to express his political convictions and remained steadfast in defending his beliefs regardless of personal consequences.

The Chief Minister said the actor had repeatedly demonstrated that he was capable of excelling in every form of acting. â??Salim Kumar showed world-class excellence across different dimensions of performance. While one side of his face brought laughter to audiences, the other carried emotions that could move people to tears,â?? Satheesan said.

The actorâ??s mortal remains were placed at the North Paravur Town Hall on Sunday morning, where thousands of admirers gathered to pay their final respects. Members of the Malayalam film fraternity, political leaders and people from all walks of life visited the venue to offer their condolences.

The body will be taken to his residence by 1 p.m., and funeral rites will be held at 3 p.m. before he is laid to rest later in the evening.

Salim Kumar is survived by his wife Sunitha and sons Chandu and Aaromal.

Tributes continued to pour in from across Kerala and beyond. Superstar Mammootty shared an emotional message on social media, mourning the loss of a colleague and close friend. â??Your departure is an endless sorrow, my brother,â?? Mammootty wrote. â??Salim, you made people laugh, think, cry and reflect. Now you leave us with only tears.â??

Hundreds of fans gathered outside the hospital after news of his death broke, hoping to catch a final glimpse of the actor whose performances entertained and touched generations of Malayalis.

Actors Shwetha Menon, Ramesh Pisharody, Dileep and several other members of the Malayalam film industry visited the hospital and later paid their respects at the public homage venue.

One of Malayalam cinemaâ??s most versatile performers, Salim Kumar first won audiences over with his unique comic timing before establishing himself as a powerful dramatic actor.

He received the National Film Award for Best Actor in 2010 for his acclaimed performance in 'Adaminte Makan Abu', which also earned him the Kerala State Film Award. He had earlier won the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor for 'Achanurangatha Veedu' and later earned recognition as a filmmaker, with 'Karutha Joothan' winning the 2017 Kerala State Film Award for Best Story.

With a career spanning decades and hundreds of memorable performances, Salim Kumar leaves behind a legacy that transcends genres. As Kerala prepares to bid farewell to one of its most beloved artists, tributes from fans, colleagues, and public figures continue to underscore the profound impact he made on Malayalam cinema and society.

/IANS