Malayalam screen loses an acting genius

As many film-makers and actors openly acknowledge, it will be a void very hard to fill. Thilakan's colleagues in Malayalam filmdom had often stated that a positive energy flowed from him while doing combination scenes.

Thilakan (77), who died in the wee hours following cardiac arrest, had a special 'chemistry' with Mohanlal with whom he had acted in numerous films. He had a role to play in most of the superstar's hit movies.

Starting his career as a theatre artiste in the midst of his intermediate course, Thilakan lent life to many strong characters in plays staged by various drama troupes including Kerala Peoples' Arts Centre (KPAC).

He was associated with the KPAC till 1966 before joining another famous drama troupe, Kalidasa Kalakendram. Later, he associated himself with renowned stage actor P J Antony, who won the national award for best actor for his sterling performance in 'Nirmalyam' in 1970s .

Thilakan also lent his voice to many radio plays and he was a virtual presence for listeners of All India Radio. Even last year, he did a solo performance in a radio play 'Otta' which had only a single character in it.

With a solid background through years of acting on stage, he outshone almost all other Malayalam actors when it came to doing character roles.

Thilakan appeared on screen for the first time in 1979 when director K G George offered him a minor role in his film 'Ulkadal.' He again acted in the director's next films two 'Kolangal' and 'Yavanika' (1981). For his role in 'Yavanika,' he got the state government's best supporting actor award.

In his prolific career, Thilakan acted in over 300 films which left none in doubt about the range of his acting. He donned the role of a villain or comic character with the same ease with which he did his character roles. (MORE)