Thilakan
started his career
in acting as a theatre
artiste. He ventured into full-time acting in theatre after leaving intermediate college
mid-way in 1956. It was during his years in theatre that he honed his skills in
acting.
He
began his career in cinema with
a minor role in the film Ulkadal (1979). His first role as a lead character was
as Kallu Varkey, a drunkard in Kolangal (1981). Thilakan established himself as
an actor after he got his first State Award in 1981 for his role in Yavanika.
In
1988, he received the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his
performance in Rithubhedam. Again in 1994, and in 1998, he won State awards for
Santhanagopalam and Gamanam.
The
film Kireedam was a milestone in his career. In this film he portrayed a
helpless policeman silently watching the
fate of his son, played by Mohanlal, who was made into a rowdy by society. Some
of Thilakan''s other notable films are Sphadikam, Moonnam Pakkam, Namukku
Parkkan Munthiri Thoppukal, Mookkilla Rajyathu, Chenkol, Randam Bhavam, Kaattu
Kuthira and Yavanika.
He
has also acted in other South Indian languages,
such as Tamil. Thilakan has portrayed a range of characters. The most popular
roles have been with Mohanlal when they portrayed a father-son duo.These
included Kireedam, Sphadikam, Narasimham, Evidam Swargamanu, Pavithram and
Chenkol.
He
has also played father roles to other popular actors, including with Mammootty
in Sangham, The Truth, No. 1 Snehatheeram Banglore North and Pallavur
Devanarayanan.
He
has also played many negative roles. His roles of underworld don in Randam
Bhavam, Karma and Kaalal Pada were memorable. He has played comical roles in
films like Nadodikkattu and Pattanapravesham (as a coward underworld don),
Mookkilla Rajyathu (as a breakout from a mental
hospital), Kuttettan (as a womanizer)
and Naaduvazhikal (as a good-for-nothing, vain person).
He
became a controversial figure after openly criticising prominent figures of the
Malayalam film industry.
Known
for his excellence in character roles, Thilakan was awarded the Padma Shri in
2009 for his contributions towards the film industry.
The
renowned actor died following heart attack on September
24, 2012