Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 30 (IANS) Kerala's leading political and film personalities Wednesday paid homage to stalwart politician Baby John and veteran actor Bharath Gopi, a day after their demise.

Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) leader John, who was known as Kerala's Kissinger for his formidable reputation as a political strategist, died of respiratory ailments at a private hospital. He was 87 and was bedridden since 1998 after suffering a stroke. He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.

John passed away at his hometown in Kollam, about 70 km from here.

Reputed to be a shrewd politician, John was minister seven times under five different chief ministers - C. Achutha Menon, K. Karunakaran, A.K. Antony, P.K. Vasudevan Nair and E.K. Nayanar.

Actor Gopi died Tuesday at a private hospital in the capital. The 71-year-old was hospitalised last week after suffering a heart attack while shooting for the film 'Dhey Engotu Nokiya'.

Known as 'Gopiettan' to all in the Malayalam film industry, he made his film debut with Adoor Gopalakrishnan's first movie 'Swayamvaram' in 1972 and went on to star in popular films like 'Ormakkayi' and 'Yavanika'.

Gopi's portrayal of a villager in the film 'Kodiyettam' in 1977 won him the National Film Award for Best Actor. He was also awarded the Padma Sri in 1991.

People from all walks of life, including leading politicians and cine stars, reached the homes of the two to pay their last respects.

Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan made it a point to visit both the homes.

Actor Mammootty told IANS that he had taken a day off from his shooting in Tamil Nadu to pay his respects to Gopi.

Both the leading personalities will be accorded a state funeral. While John's funeral was to take place at Kollam, Gopi was to be cremated at the electric crematorium here.

The state government, as a mark of respect to John, has declared a holiday Wednesday for all educational institutions. Kollam meanwhile is observing a shut down.