National Film Award-winning Malayalam actor Salim Kumar was cremated on Sunday at his residence in Ernakulam district, Kerala, with full state honors. Salim Kumar passed away on Saturday. During the funeral, his eldest son Chandu became uncomfortable due to the large crowd and paparazzi presence.
According to a video that surfaced on social media, Chandu expressed anger at the photographers and cameramen present. He appealed to the media to step back and allow the family to bid a peaceful farewell.
In the viral video, Chandu was seen appealing to media personnel to step back and give the family enough space to grieve. According to eyewitnesses, the constant cameras and crowd made it difficult for the family to handle private moments, after which Chandu lost his patience.
Son Angry at Cameramen During Funeral
After Salim Kumar’s death, a large crowd of relatives, close friends, and fans gathered at his home in North Paravur to pay their last respects. A large number of media personnel were also present. The viral video shows the actor’s eldest son Chandu becoming quite distressed due to being surrounded by the crowd and cameras.
This incident has once again brought up the debate about how much privacy the families of public figures should get in moments of personal grief and what the limits of media coverage should be.
PM Modi Expresses Grief
PM Modi remembered actor Salim Kumar as a brilliant artist who could easily adapt to any role. Sharing his thoughts on X (Twitter), he said:
“I am deeply saddened by the demise of the legendary actor Shri Salim Kumar ji. During his illustrious career, he played diverse roles and left a special mark on people’s hearts with his memorable acting. My condolences are with his family and countless admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”
Ernakulam District
Ernakulam district, located in the state of Kerala, India, is a historically significant region that served as a major center for trade and commerce from ancient times, with connections to Roman, Arab, and Chinese merchants. It is home to the bustling city of Kochi, known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” and features landmarks like the Mattancherry Palace and Jewish Synagogue. Today, the district blends its rich colonial and cultural heritage with modern urbanization, making it a key economic and tourist hub in Kerala.
Kerala
Kerala, located in southwestern India, is renowned for its lush backwaters, serene beaches, and vibrant cultural traditions. Historically, it was a major center for the spice trade, attracting ancient Romans, Arabs, and later European colonial powers like the Portuguese and British. Today, it is celebrated for its high literacy rate, progressive social policies, and unique art forms such as Kathakali dance.
North Paravur
North Paravur is a historic town in Kerala, India, known for its rich cultural heritage and ancient trade connections. It was once a prominent center for the spice trade and is home to several historic churches, synagogues, and temples, reflecting its diverse religious history. The area also features the Paravur Synagogue, built in the 17th century, and the renowned Kottapuram Fort, which dates back to the Portuguese colonial period.
Mattancherry Palace
The Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, is a historic Portuguese-era palace located in Kochi, India. It was originally built by the Portuguese in 1555 as a gift for the Raja of Cochin, and later renovated by the Dutch in
Ernakulam District
Ernakulam District, located in the Indian state of Kerala, is a historically significant region that served as a major center for trade and commerce, particularly with the Portuguese, Dutch, and British during the colonial era. The district is home to the bustling city of Kochi, known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” and features iconic landmarks like the Mattancherry Palace and Jewish Synagogue. Today, it remains a vital economic and cultural hub, blending its rich colonial history with modern urban development.
Kerala
Kerala, located on the southwestern coast of India, is renowned for its lush backwaters, serene beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Historically, it was a major center for the spice trade, attracting traders from ancient Rome, China, and the Middle East, and later became a key hub for European colonial powers like the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Today, it is celebrated for its high literacy rate, unique art forms like Kathakali, and progressive social policies.
North Paravur
North Paravur is a historic town in Kerala, India, known for its rich cultural heritage and ancient trade connections. It was a prominent center of the Chera dynasty and later flourished under Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial influences, evident in its colonial-era buildings and churches like the Kottakkavu Mar Thoma Syro-Malabar Church, one of the oldest Christian sites in India. Today, it blends its historical significance with a vibrant local culture and scenic backwaters.
Mattancherry Palace
The Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, is a historic Portuguese-built palace located in Kochi, India, later renovated by the Dutch in 1663. It was gifted to the Raja of Cochin as a gesture of goodwill and features stunning Kerala-style murals depicting Hindu mythology and royal portraits. Today, it serves as a museum showcasing the region’s rich cultural and colonial history.
Jewish Synagogue
The Jewish Synagogue is a place of worship for the Jewish community, central to religious services, study, and communal gatherings. Its history dates back to ancient times, with the first synagogues emerging during the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE) as centers for prayer and Torah reading when the Temple in Jerusalem was inaccessible. Over centuries, synagogues have evolved in architecture and practice, surviving periods of persecution and flourishing in diverse cultures worldwide.
Paravur Synagogue
The Paravur Synagogue, located in the town of Paravur in Kerala, India, is a historic Jewish place of worship that dates back to the 12th century, with the current building constructed in the 18th century. It served the Malabar Jewish community, one of the oldest Jewish diaspora groups in the world, who had strong trade links with the region. Today, the synagogue stands as a protected monument, reflecting the rich multicultural heritage of Kerala and the once-thriving Jewish presence in the area.
Kottapuram Fort
Kottapuram Fort is a historic riverside fort located in Kerala, India, built by the Portuguese in 1523 to protect their trade interests along the backwaters. It later fell under Dutch control in 1663 and was eventually taken over by the Kingdom of Travancore in the 18th century. Today, the fort stands in ruins, serving as a quiet reminder of the region’s colonial past and its role in the spice trade.
Kochi
Kochi, a major port city in the southwestern Indian state of Kerala, has a rich history shaped by centuries of trade and colonial influence. Known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” it was a key center for the spice trade and was successively ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Today, Kochi is famous for its blend of cultural heritage, including landmarks like the Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry Palace, and the historic Jewish Synagogue.
