Actor Thilakan (77), who passed away on Monday,might not have acted in too many Tamil films, but considering the impact he hadon Tamil audiences, it’s going to be quite a while before memories of theveteran actor will fade.
Director Sundar C, who brought the thespian back to Tamilscreens in his film 'Mettukudi' (1996), says it was nobody else butThilakan who he had in mind while writing the role of the negative character inthe film. “There were about 12 positive characters in the film and the onenegative role had to compensate for all of them. And Thilakan sir could do it,”he admires.
The Malayalam actor is still remembered for his role of Arumai Nayagam in ‘Sathiriyan’(1990) in which actor Vijayakanth played the lead.
Some of his latest Tamil flicks include ‘Alibaba’ (2008) and ‘NeeVenumda Chellam’ (2006).Despite the fact that Thilakan was as short as five and a half feet, there wassomething about his on-screen presence that had a dominating effect, saysSundar C, “His look is complemented by his unique voice. It was sad to see somebodyelse dub for him in a few Tamil movies.”
The director also recalls the humility with whichThilakan worked in the industry, even readily obliging to work extended hoursoften. “He was an intense actor and a directors’ delight. He didn’t have act,but just be himself. Whatever directors had in mind, he would grasp it and deliverit with double impact. It’s definitely Tamil cinema’s fault to not have usedhim more,” he adds.
Actor Ramesh, best known for his debut film ‘Jithan’,has worked with Thilakan in ‘Nee Venumda Chellam’. “Thilakan sir couldn’twalk much when we were shooting the film, but he did the best that he could. Aftershooting, he would sit with us casually and discuss films.I learnt a lot from him,” says Ramesh.
Actor Parthiban, who has worked with Thilakan in ‘Aravindhan’(1997), says it was from the late actor that he learnt a lesson inperseverance. Parthiban adds that he even enquired with one of Thilakan’s sonsabout his father’s health during a recent trip to Kerala. “Death is justphysical for artistes. Thilakan sir’s contribution is immortal,” says Parthiban.