Foodie, art connoisseur and Laughing Villa: Salim Kumar's world outside cinema

KOCHI: Salim Kumar's world revolved around 'Laughing Villa’ and food. Biryani was a mainstay in the Laughing Villa kitchen. Salim, a food enthusiast, used to prepare sumptuous halwa and cake. His culinary skills were talked about in film circles. Five varieties of pickles, lemon wine, raisins added to biryani, and cakes are special when the actor dons the hat of a chef.

In addition to national and state awards, Salim Kumar’s cabinet at his house consists of costly paintings, sculptures and a large caparison.

Salim learned the craft of making caparison while he stayed away from films due to illness. Every room in the house reflects an artistic touch. The love for art was so high that Salim even took the mightier task of designing the interior of his house all by himself. Wherever he went, Salim’s eyes landed on something artsy, and he would splash any money to bring it home. Not just purchasing, Salim was impeccable in placing them at proper locations at his house, which many people fail to do or bother not to try. When asked how much it cost to build the house, the answer was, "I was shocked when the work was completed. I don’t want that shock to return. Please don't ask such questions."

SALIM KUMAR:

"There is a reason why this two-story house is called Laughing Villa. It is for staying comfortable in old age. No matter which room you stay in, you should be happy and have peace of mind. If you stay in this house, you won't feel like going anywhere else.

I wanted a big house. My childhood was very tough, and I had first-hand experience of fighting poverty. I was neglected in many places. Since I didn't have money for the journey at Kottayam railway station, I asked someone for 20 rupees. I told him that I would return the money soon, but he recognised me as a theatre actor and told me to take the money and not bother to return. I entered the train and started crying. Those struggling times created Salim Kumar, who now makes people laugh."

Laughing Villa has a spacious library. There are Vedas and Upanishads and books by most Malayalam writers. There is also a home theatre, a small fish pond, and a vegetable garden. Salim is no more, but his laughter will remain in this Villa forever.