When Malayalam superstar Mammootty threw Salim Kumar's shoes into a river during US trip: What happened next left the actor stunned

The death of veteran Malayalam actor Salim Kumar has left the film industry and fans mourning the loss of one of its most beloved performers. The National Award-winning actor passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the age of 56 after suffering a cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kochi. As tributes continue to pour in, an old story Salim shared about superstar Mammootty has resurfaced online, reminding fans of the warm friendship the two actors had off-screen.

Mammootty's emotional tribute to his longtime friend

Salim Kumar enjoyed a remarkable career spanning more than three decades and over 320 films. While he first became famous for his comedy roles, he later earned critical acclaim as a character actor and even won the National Film Award for Best Actor.

Among those who paid tribute to him was Malayalam superstar Mammootty, who worked with Salim in several successful films over the years. Taking to social media platform X, Mammootty remembered his friend with an emotional message.




The superstar wrote, "Salim, who made us laugh, made us smile, made us think, made us ponder, and occasionally cried and made us cry... now, you only make us cry........... Your demise is an endless sorrow, my brother..."

The US trip that strengthened their friendship

As fans remembered Salim Kumar's career, an old anecdote narrated by the actor in an interview began circulating widely online.

Recalling a trip to the United States with Mammootty in 2000, Salim revealed that the journey helped them become close friends. At the time, he knew Mammootty professionally but had not developed a strong personal relationship with him.



According to Salim, one day during the trip, Mammootty noticed the shoes he was wearing and asked whether they were torn. Salim replied that the shoes were not damaged but had simply become old from use.

What happened next completely surprised him.

Salim recalled that Mammootty asked him to remove the shoes. Thinking little of the request, he took them off. To his shock, Mammootty immediately threw the old shoes into a nearby river. The actor said he was stunned by the unexpected move and further added that, "Then he asked me to get in the car, and he bought me an expensive pair of shoes."

Years later, Salim continued to remember the incident fondly as a reflection of Mammootty's generosity and affection toward his colleagues and friends.

One of Malayalam cinema's most loved duos

The friendship between Mammootty and Salim Kumar translated into memorable on-screen chemistry as well. The pair worked together in several popular Malayalam films, including Mayavi, Annan Thampi, Chattambinaadu, Thommanum Makkalum, Best Actor, and Rappakal.

Audiences particularly loved the contrast between Mammootty's larger-than-life screen presence and Salim's impeccable comic timing. Their collaborations remain among the most celebrated actor-comedian pairings in Malayalam cinema.

Health struggles before his death

According to a report by The Hindu, Salim Kumar was admitted to hospital after developing fever and breathing difficulties. Doctors immediately placed him on ventilator support and began intensive treatment, including antibiotics, dialysis, and other life-saving measures.

The actor had been dealing with multiple health issues, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease that required maintenance haemodialysis, coronary artery disease, and complications following a liver transplant.

Despite receiving extensive medical care, he suffered a cardiac arrest during his hospital stay and could not be revived.

As Malayalam cinema bids farewell to one of its most versatile performers, stories like the memorable shoe incident continue to talk about the friendships and relationships Salim Kumar built throughout his outstanding journey in the industry.