National Award-winning Malayalam actor, Salim Kumar passed away on Saturday, June 6 2026, in Kochi, Kerala. He was 56 years old when he suffered a cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment for long-standing health complications at a private hospital. According to reports, he was quietly battling liver and kidney ailments while maintaining a life away from the spotlight in his final years. Meanwhile, his son, Chandu Salim Kumar pursued a career in acting, starting in critically acclaimed projects like Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra and Manjummel Boys. Here’s everything we know about Salim’s bereaved family, including his wife, Sunitha and lesser-known son, Aaromal Kumar.
Meet Salim Kumar’s actor son, Chandu Salim Kumar
Chandu Salim Kumar is the popular family member of legendary actor, writer and comedian, Salim Kumar. He is an Indian actor who primarily works in Mollywood (Malayalam film industry). Chandu initially entered the film world as a child artist but achieved his major career breakthrough in 2024 with a prominent role in the thriller drama Manjummel Boys, directed by Chidambaram S Poduval. Chandu is Salim’s elder son, believed to be in his twenties, though his exact age is unknown.
Chandu first appeared on screen as a child artist playing the young Shukkoor Khan in the 2009 film, Love in Singapore. As a grown up, he first bagged a minor appearance as ‘Young Moosa’ in the political thriller, Malik (2021). However, he shot to fame in 2024 after three years of struggle. The character of ‘Abhilash’ in the survival drama, Manjummel Boys earned him his breakthrough. His other film credits include Nadikar, Idiyan Chandhu, Painkili and most recently, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra. He will be next seen in Chidambaram’s directorial, Balan: The Boy.
All about Salim Kumar’s lesser-known family members, his wife and younger son
In the Kumar family, Chandu is the only one who has been in the public eye, after his father’s career took a backseat due to age and health issues. His younger brother, Aaromal Kumar and mother, Sunitha both stay away from the spotlight. Salim Kumar reportedly married Sunitha on September 14, 1996, and they stayed together for almost three decades, until his death parted them. Regarding their younger son, Aaromal Kumar, nothing is publicly reported. He came to the spotlight only after his father, Salim, died.
Salim Kumar credited his wife, Sunitha for his career’s advancement
Salim Kumar once fondly shared that his destiny changed the very day after he tied the knot with Sangeetha, according to Republic. Before his marriage, he worked primarily as a mimicry artist; however, he received his first major movie offer the morning after exchanging wedding garlands with Sangeetha. The offer was for the film, Ishtamanu Nooru Vattom, after which he shared that marrying Sangeetha was the “greatest right thing” he had ever done in his life. The popular phrase, “behind every successful man there is a woman,” became real for Salim, who credited two women in his life with his success: his wife and his mother, Kausalya. His exact words were:
“I was a mimic back then (during their marriage). The day after Sunita came into my life, I was called for movies. Two women have been instrumental in getting me here in my 49 years of life. One is my mother Kausalya, then my wife Sunita.”
What caused Salim Kumar’s death at 56?
According to a medical bulletin issued by the hospital, Salim Kumar suffered cardiac arrest. According to reports, the Malayalam actor had a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease on maintenance haemodialysis and coronary artery disease. Earlier, he also had a liver transplant. The medical bulletin can be read as:
“He was initiated on ventilator support, antibiotics, dialysis and other life-saving measures. During the hospital stay, he suffered a cardiac arrest and, despite maximum possible resuscitative measures, could not be revived.”
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Salim Kumar’s family as they deal with this difficult time.
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