Prem Nazir | |
|---|---|
 Nazir on a 2013 stamp of India | |
| Born | Abdul Khader 23 March 1929 Chirayinkeezhu, Kingdom of Travancore, British India (present day Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India) |
| Died | 16 January 1989 (aged 59) Madras, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Resting place | Trivandrum, India |
| Other names | Nithyaharitha Nayakan (Evergreen Hero) |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1951–1989 |
| Works | Filmography |
| Spouse |
Habeeba Beevi (m. 1944) |
| Children | 4, including Shanavas |
| Relatives | Prem Nawas (brother) |
| Awards | Padma Bhushan (1983) |
Prem Nazir (born Abdul Khader; 23 March 1929 – 16 January 1989) was an Indian actor known as one of Malayalam cinema's definitive leading men of his generation. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential actors in the history of Indian cinema. A popular cultural icon of Kerala, Nazir is often referred to as Nithyaharitha Nayakan ("Evergreen Hero").[1] Nazir began his career as a stage actor and made his film debut with the 1952 film Marumakal. He took on the stage name Prem Nazir on the sets of his second film, Visappinte Vili (1952).
Nazir is noted for his performances in films such as Murappennu (1965), Udhyogastha (1967), Iruttinte Athmavu (1967), Kallichellamma (1969), Virunnukari (1969), Nadhi (1969), C.I.D. Nazir (1971), Anubhavangal Paalichakal (1971), Taxi Car (1972), Azhakulla Saleena (1973), Nellu (1974), Ariyappedatha Rahasyam (1981), Vida Parayum Munpe (1981), Padayottam (1982), and Dhwani (1988).[2] Nazir won the Kerala State Film Award (Special Jury Award) for his role as Madhavan Kutty in Vida Parayum Munpe. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Bhushan the third highest civilian honours respectively, for his contribution towards the arts.[3] He died due to measles on 16 January 1989 at the age of 59.
Nazir holds the Guinness World Records for playing opposite the same heroine in 130 films (with Sheela), and previously held the record for playing the lead role in a record 720 films.[4][5] He also holds two other acting records; for acting opposite eighty heroines and for acting in lead roles in 30 films which were released in a single year (1973 and 1977).
- ^ Vn, Aswin (6 April 2017). "Everlasting aura". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 14 July 2021.
- ^ "The evergreen hero". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 16 January 2009. Archived from the original on 8 November 2012. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
- ^ "Padma Awards" (PDF). Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2015. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 October 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2015.
- ^ Guinness World Records 2001. Guinness World Records. 2001. p. 91. ISBN 0553583751.
- ^ Sheela's comeback[usurped]. The Hindu. 5 January 2004. Retrieved 3 December 2011.