‘Last rites at 3.30 pm, Mammootty, Mohanlal not in station’

KOCHI: The Malayalees were shocked to hear the news of the demise of their favorite actor Salim Kumar. He passed away at 10.45 pm last night while undergoing treatment for liver disease at a private hospital in Kochi. He was taken to the hospital for dialysis early Saturday morning. Low blood pressure during dialysis led to a heart attack. He was immediately placed on ventilator. The treatment was complicated as cancer was also found in his lungs.

The actor’s body is kept at Paravur Town Hall for the people to pay homage. Thousands are flocking for a last glimpse of the actor for the last time. Political leaders and actors have reached Paravur. However, Producers Association office bearer and film producer Anto Joseph has informed that Mohanlal and Mammootty will not be able to pay homage.

‘His death was confirmed at 10.43 pm last night. The body was brought to North Paravur from Amrita Hospital in Kochi Sunday morning. There will be a public homage at the Paravur Town Hall. After that, the body will be taken to his residence in North Paravur at around 1 pm. The last rites will begin at his home at 3.30 pm. Chief Minister V D Satheesan will reach Paravur. Mohanlal and Mammootty are not in station as one of them is abroad and the other is on the location set. All the others from the film industry will pay homage,’ Anto Joseph told media.