Thiruvananthapuram, June 7 -- Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan has expressed profound grief over the demise of National Award-winning actor Salim Kumar, describing the celebrated performer as "a brother" and a towering talent whose loss has left a deep void in Malayalam cinema.

"He wasn't just the prince of laughter to me, Salim Kumar was a deeply connected soul, fearless in his political beliefs and proud to say he stood with Congress. A versatile genius who could make us laugh and cry with the same face. Malayalam cinema lost a legend, and I lost a brother," Satheesan wrote in a post on X.

Salim Kumar, one of Malayalam cinema's most versatile performers, passed away at the age of 56 after reportedly being rushed to Amrita Hospital...