The Kerala government has recognised the immense contributions of noted actor Salim Kumar, who passed away on June 6. The revised State Budget, presented by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, has earmarked ₹1 crore for setting up a memorial in his honour in Ernakulam. His friends and admirers termed the announcement as a fitting tribute to the actor, who left an indelible mark in the hearts of moviegoers.“It is not an honour for Salim Kumar alone, but for all the artistes in Malayalam cinema. By deciding to set up a memorial for him in Ernakulam, the government has paid a befitting tribute to an actor, who continues to live in our hearts,” said actor and noted mimicry artiste K. S Prasad, his long-time friend. “I had the opportunity to introduce him to the mimicry troupe in Cochin Kalabhavan. The memorial would keep the memories of the renowned actor alive,” he said.A native of Chittattukara in North Paravur, Ernakulam, the late actor had acted in over 250 films. He won the National Film Award for Best Actor for his critically-acclaimed performance in the movie ‘Adaminte Makan Abu’ in 2010. Ramesh D. Kurup, chairperson of North Paravur municipality, termed the government decision to set up a memorial for the actor as a recognition of the overall contributions made by him for Malayalam cinema. A decision on the location of the memorial structure would be taken by the government, he said. Published - June 19, 2026 06:53 pm IST