Prem Nazir, born Abdul Khader, is one of the greatest actors to have graced the industry. Malayalam cinema's evergreen hero is still remembered as one of the most influential actors in the history of Indian Cinema. Prem holds several awards, but how did the young Abdul become the cultural icon of Kerala?
Nazir was born to Akkode Sahul Hamid and Asuma Beevi in Chirayinkeezhu, the princely state of Travancore. The actor had two brothers and six sisters. His mother, Asuma, died when he was young. Prem's father got married again soon after, coincidently to a woman who shared the same name as Nazir's mother.
He moved to Changanassery for his further studies at SB College, where he debuted as an actor. Prem portrayed the character of 'Shylock' in the play, The Merchant of Venice. He even won the Best Actor award for his role.
Prem Nazir made his silver screen debut in 1952 with S.K. Chari's Marumakal, for which he was credited as Abdul Khader. On the set of his second film, Visappinte Vill, poet and playwright, Thikkurussi Sukumaran Nair decided to change Abdul's name to Prem Nazir. Nazir entered the industry when dramas were the most popular visual medium and cinema was in its infant stage. However, that did not stop Nazir from creating a rather loyal fan base. Prem soon became a debonair actor who could be a youth heartthrob.
Malayalam superstar, Prem Nazir had a prolific run of over three decades. During this time, the actor set monumental records and played colossal characters. Prem was an exemplary actor; his skills and passion for art were immense, and that, combined with his dedication to cinema, making him an even better actor. His performance, screen presence, and influence over the industry earned him the title of Nithyaharitha Nayakan, the evergreen hero.
Nazir played the lead in an astonishing total of 720 films, for which he held a world record for a while. It is said that Prem was able to achieve this number by working double and sometimes triple shifts throughout his prominent years. The actor hence appeared in 30 films in a year, winning him the record for doing the most films in a year, twice. According to Industry Insiders and Trade Analysts, more than half of Prem's films were box-office successes.
However, historians believe that Prem starred in 400 hits, 50 of which became blockbusters. Prem also holds the Guinness World Record with Sheela Celine for playing opposite the same actor in most films. The duo worked on 130 films together, winning them the world record. Nazir was also honoured by the government of India with a Padma Bhushan for his contribution to the entertainment industry.
Prem Nazir had moved his focus to work in supporting roles as the 80s arrived, and the star realised that the audience wanted to see fresh, younger actors. By his 50s, Prem was playing the second lead in movies like Vida Parayum Munpe and Ariyappedatha Rahasyam. Even though the audience was leaning towards the younger stars, like Mammootty and Mohanlal, the legend was still able to give hits with his lead role in movies like Padayottam and Vellarikka Pattanam.
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Prem Nazir married Habeeba Beevi and welcomed four children. The older two daughters were named Laila and Rasiya, followed by Prem's son, Shanavas, and the youngest daughter, Rita. It is speculated that Nazir's son, Shahnavas, was married to Prem's eldest sister, Suleikha Beevi's daughter, Ayisha Beevi. As for his legacy, Shahnavas worked in a few films but was not able to succeed.
During the late 1980s, Nazir campaigned rigorously for his friend, who was a running candidate. However, his sincerity and dedication to helping those in need had an adverse impact on Nazir's health. Nazir, who was a diabetic, completely ignored his health. Nazir was not eating properly during this time, which took a toll on his health, and he was admitted to Vijaya Hospital for a duodenal ulcer.
During that time, many fans came to see the actor, and it was speculated that it was from one of those fans that the actor contracted measles, which, despite several attempts to save the superstar, led to his demise. Prem passed away in the early hours of January 16, 1989. His body was taken to his native land, where he was buried with complete state honour.
What are your thoughts about the biggest superstar of Indian Cinema?
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