Thilakan (Palappurathu Keshavan Surendranatha Thilakan)

Thilakan (Surendranatha Thilakan) was an Indian actor renowned for his work in Malayalam cinema and theatre.

He began his artistic journey in theatre, co-founding the drama troupe Mundakayam Nataka Samithy.

Thilakan made his film debut with a minor role in Periyar (1973), he appeared in over 300 films.

Some of his notable films include Kireedam, Spadikam, and Narasimham alongside Mohanlal, and Mrugya, Sangham, and The Truth with Mammootty. He also appeared in Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada movies.

Thilakan attended Sree Narayana College, Kollam.

After a brief stint in the military, he left college in 1956 to pursue acting, co-founding a drama troupe and working with major theatre groups.

Thilakan's contributions to cinema were recognized with numerous awards:

• Padma Shri (2009)

• National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for Rithubhedam (1987)

• Special Jury Mentions for Eakantham (2006) and Ustad Hotel (2012)

• Multiple Kerala State Film Awards, including Best Actor for Perumthachan (1990) and Santhanagopalam (1994)​

Thilakan had three children with his first partner Santha, and three more with his second partner Sarojam.

His sons Shammi and Shobhi Thilakan are also actors in Malayalam cinema.

His grandson Abhimanyu made his debut in the 2024 film Marco.