Keralites across the world are paying homage to one of Malayalam film industry’s finest actor Thilakan who died early this morning.

The National award-winning star who had acted in around 200 films died at the age of 77at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. He suffered from multiple organ failure following a heart attack last month.

The Padma Shri Award winning actor started his career as a theatre artist and debuted in the movie Ulkadal. His last film Ustad Hotel with Kerala’s leading star Mammootty's son Dulquar Salman, is still showing in several theatres across the state.

Known for his versatile acting skills Tilakan was capable of mastering the art of behavioral acting.

“Any actor in the Malayalam film industry should learn from Tilakan chetan. He is the Dronacharya in the field of acting in India,” said UAE-based Moideen Koya KK, Head, Media Relations, UAE Exchange. 

“Malayalam film industry has not seen any other greater actor than Thilakan. This is a great loss to the Malayalam film industry,” said George P K, an ardent Tilakan fan and a resident of Dubai.

“There is no other better actor in the Malayalam film when compared to him. I know him ever since my first film, Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala,” says the film’s producer Karunakaran who is based in Ajman.

“He is one person who always speaks from his heart and thereby got into the wrong books of many within the film industry. He used to speak his heart out and does not care about the consequences ” he added.

Recollecting one of the experiences, he said “during the shooting of Rashtram I had a small digital camera which Tilakan liked quite a bit.

He told me he wanted one and I gave it to him. I did not want any remuneration for it. But he insisted that I deduct the money for the camera from his final settlement,” he added.

“I might have had differences with him... But we did sort it out. He has contributed to the film industry a great deal,” said Malayalam film actor Mammooty.

Thilkan's body is being kept for public viewing at the Victoria Jubilee Memorial Town Hall in Thuruvananthapuram. His body will be cremated at the electric crematorium around 4 pm (Indian time).

Born in Pathanamthitta district at Ayroor on July 15, 1938 it is said that his mentor P J Antony  played a significant role in influencing his acting skills.