Hero of Laughing Villa bids adieu; Hundreds attend final rites ceremony of Malayalam's beloved actor

KOCHI: The hero of Laughing Villa bid adieu to Malayalees and faded into the pyre on a rain-marred Sunday evening in Paravur. At 3.30 pm, Salim Kumar’s sons Chandu and Aromal lit the pyre set up in the southeast corner of the backyard of the house in Muravanthuruth, Paravur. Salim is no more, but the characters he portrayed on the screen will remain eternal. Prominent figures, including Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, a close pal of the actor, were present at the funeral function.

The body, which was kept for public viewing at the Paravur Municipal Town Hall from 9 am, was taken to ‘Laughing Villa’ residence at 1.45 pm. Locals and neighbours flocked to the residence to have a final look at their beloved actor.

Minister PC Vishnunath, the state government's representative at the hospital, was present at the Town Hall since yesterday morning, and later at the residence until the final rite ceremonies were over. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, who paid his last respects at the Town Hall at 11.30 am, returned and attended the funeral in the evening.

As per Salim Kumar's wishes, the funeral was held without religious ceremonies. When he was laid to rest at home, a lamp was lit, and sandalwood was also burned. Salim’s wife Sunitha and son Chandu were inconsolable. Some of Salim’s relatives paid final respects by touching his feet in reverence. A police guard of honour was given to the National Film Award winner.

The state government will bear all the expenses from Salim Kumar's treatment to his funeral. The order was issued on Saturday. Paravur Tehsildar C.R. Jason, Deputy Tehsildar R. Baburaj, Village Officer P.R. Anilkumar, and Vadakkekkara Village Officer Sandhya supervised the collection of the body from the hospital, the public viewing at the town hall, and the funeral ceremonies.