Akshay, 45, paid his tribute to Thackeray and other legendary film artists like Rajesh Khanna, Yash Chopra, AK Hangal who passed away this year by requesting the audience to maintain a minute's silence.
Recalling his conversation with Thackeray, Akshay said, "Bal Thackeray used to say I am a man of masses, actors should consider themselves lucky not because of their bank balance but because they have a mass following."
Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar also remembered Thackeray in his speech.
Thackeray passed away last Saturday in Mumbai.