Salim Kumar, an unlikely hero

This is because he is one of the most sought-after comedians in the film industry after having figured in many laugh riots.  The film, directed and produced by Salim Ahmed was also named the best feature film at the 58th National Awards and the director says that Salim Kumar was reluctant to take up the role of Abu when Ahmed approached him with the proposal. In fact, Salim tried to convince Ahmed that the film would bomb if he was the hero.
However, Ahmed thought that Salim did exceedingly well in “Achanurangatha Veedu” and that he was the best bet to don the hero’s role. “Adaminte Makan Abu” chronicles the efforts of an elderly Muslim couple’s wish to perform Haj pilgrimage. Salim Kumar had to play the husband Abu, an old vendor who roams the streets of Malabar selling Yunani medicines and Athar while Zarina Wahab would play his wife.

“He gave in to my persuasion finally,” says Ahmed who gets Rs 5 lakh for the film which was his maiden effort. Ahmed who had written scripts for comedy spoofs said that he had put a sincere effort behind the film by enlisting the best talents like cinematographer Madhu Ambat who has also won an award.

Reacting to the news, Salim Kumar said that he probably got the award because there were no Malayalis among the jury. He rued the fact that “Adaminte Makan Abu” had escaped the notice of the state film awards jury.  “It is sad that Malayalis themselves have been stifling such talent like that of Salim Ahmed,” he said. The 42-year-old actor revealed that he had agreed to play the part of Abu in the film without accepting any remuneration.

Actor Dileep said that the award for Salim Kumar was a slap in the face of all those who wrote off mimicry artistes–turned-actors.