New Delhi, June 7 -- National Award-winning Malayalam actor and filmmaker Salim Kumar passed away on the night of 6 June at a private hospital in Kochi following a cardiac arrest. He was 56. The veteran performer had been receiving treatment for multiple health complications and was placed on ventilator support after his condition deteriorated earlier that day. His death has triggered an outpouring of grief from colleagues, political leaders and admirers across the world.

According to an Indian Express report, Salim Kumar had been struggling with several serious medical conditions over the years, including liver cirrhosis, kidney-related ailments and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

He had previously undergone a liver trans...