From politicians to actors, from fans to film-buffs, thousands thronged the Victoria Jubilee Memorial Town Hall in Thiruvananthapuram where the body of veteran actor Thilakan, who died early Monday morning, was placed for public viewing.

While Kerala Culture Minister K C Joseph and Minister in charge of Cinema K B Ganesh Kumar visited the hall and paid tributes to the late actor, Chief Minister Oomen Chandy came out with a condolence message.

Paying rich tributes on Thilakan, the CM described him as "A great actor who had few equals".

"Thilakan was a major presence in Malayalam theatre and cinema for over five decades. Beginning his acting career in an amateur theatre group at Mundakkayam, he had gone on to prove his acting prowess at Kerala People’s Arts Club (KPAC), Kalidasa Kala Kendram and Changanassery Geedha. He made his mark as a film actor with 'Ulkkadal'", Chandy said.

A popular Malayalam actor, Thilakan was popular in Kollywood too with films such as 'Sathriyan' and 'Mettukudi' to his credit.