'Sunset is not far away': Salim Kumar's message returns to focus

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: "The sun of my lifespan has tilted towards the west. Sunset is not far away."

These words, shared by actor Salim Kumar on Facebook on his birthday, October 10, 2024, have resurfaced after his demise two years later, touching the hearts of fans and colleagues.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, social media was flooded with false rumours claiming that Salim Kumar had passed away. The actor brushed aside the speculation with his characteristic humour. Yet, behind the scenes, he was battling a series of health issues that increasingly weighed on him.

In the birthday note that later gained widespread attention, Salim Kumar reflected on life, mortality and the uncertainties of the future.

'Today, I embark on my 55th year, having navigated 54 milestones in the vast ocean of life. I thank all my fellow travellers for the love and encouragement they have given me throughout this journey. The sun of my lifespan has tilted to the west. The sunset is not far away in this vast ocean. Somewhere, a whirlpool may already have formed for me. Until I get trapped in it, I have to continue my journey with this boat. My boat has already begun to develop holes. I keep bailing out the water that enters through them and continue rowing. I don't know how long I can sail this way, but I'll keep going. I need your blessings,' Salim Kumar wrote.

The post sparked widespread discussion. Many of his close friends told him that the message sounded too negative. Salim Kumar responded by asking why he should hide a truth that everyone knows.

"We are all travellers in the same boat. One day, each of us will be caught in a whirlpool. Everyone who travelled before us met the same fate. If we remember that, we will not harm others. It is those who forget this reality who believe they can destroy or defeat fellow human beings.

I do not even hurt an ant because I am aware of the reality of sunset. When a person must one day leave this earth, what is the point of trying to destroy another life? In that sense, isn't thinking about the sunset of life actually a positive thing?" he asked at a public event.