Prem Nazir facts for kids

Quick facts for kids PB Prem Nazir
Nazir on a 2013 stamp of India
Born	Abdul Khader (1926-04-07)7 April 1926 Chirayinkeezhu, Trivandrum, Travancore
Died	16 January 1989(1989-01-16) (aged 62) Madras, Tamil Nadu, India
Resting place	Trivandrum, India
Nationality	Indian
Other names	Nithyaharitha Nayakan (Evergreen Hero)
Alma mater	SB College, Changanassery SD College, Alappuzha
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1951–1989
Known for	Malayalam films
Spouse(s)	Habeeba Beevi ​ (m. 1944⁠–⁠1989)​
Children	4, including Shanavas
Relatives	Prem Nawas (brother)
Awards	Padma Bhushan (1983)

Prem Nazir (born Abdul Khader; 7 April 1926 – 16 January 1989) was a famous Indian actor. He was known as one of the most important leading men in Malayalam cinema. Many people see him as one of the most influential actors in the history of Indian cinema. In Kerala, he was a popular cultural icon, often called Nithyaharitha Nayakan, which means "Evergreen Hero."

Nazir started his acting journey on stage. He made his first film appearance in Marumakal in 1952. He got his stage name, Prem Nazir, during the filming of his second movie, Visappinte Vili (1952). He holds several Guinness World Records for his acting career. These include acting opposite the same actress, Sheela, in 130 films. He also held the record for playing the main role in 720 films. Another record is acting with eighty different heroines. He also starred in 30 films released in a single year (in both 1973 and 1977).

The Government of India honored him with the Padma Bhushan award in 1983. This is one of India's highest civilian honors, given for his great contributions to the arts. Prem Nazir passed away on January 16, 1989, at the age of 62.

Early Life and Education

Prem Nazir was born as Abdul Khader on April 7, 1927. His birthplace was Chirayinkeezhu in the old princely state of Travancore. This area is now part of the Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala. His parents were Akkode Shahul Hamid and Asuma Beevi.

He had two brothers, Prem Nawas and Ashraf, and six sisters. His mother passed away when he was very young. He went to schools like Kadinamkulam Lower Primary School and Sri Chithiravilasam School in Trivandrum. He also studied at SD College, Alappuzha, and St. Berchmans College, Changanassery. By the time he finished his studies, he was already a skilled drama actor.

Acting Career

Starting in Films

Prem Nazir with friends in Perumbavoor.

Prem Nazir first acted on stage as Shylock in the play The Merchant of Venice in 1951. This was when he was a student at SB College, Changanacherry. He won an award for best actor in this play.

His first film was Marumakal (1952), where he was credited as Abdul Khader. His big break came with his second film, Visappinte Vili (1952). It was during this movie that he was given the name Prem Nazir by Thikkurussi Sukumaran Nair. He worked mostly for Excel Productions and Merryland Studios in his early career.

Becoming a Star in the 1950s

When Prem Nazir entered the film world, he brought a new kind of charm to the screen. He quickly became a romantic hero that young people loved. His emotional films were very popular with female audiences. Soon, he became the first true star of Malayalam cinema.

His ability to act in many different kinds of roles helped him become famous. These included films based on old stories and religious tales. His strong stage background and excellent command of the Malayalam language also helped him connect with his audience.

Golden Years: 1960s and 1970s

From 1956 to 1976, Prem Nazir was incredibly popular. He also gave some of his best performances during this time. In Iruttinte Athmavu (1967), he played a character named Velayadhan, a young man with a mental disability. Many critics believe this was one of his best roles, showing his deep acting skills.

Nazir also starred in the first detective film series in Malayalam cinema, C.I.D. Nazir (1971). He played historical characters from traditional folk songs called Vadakkan Pattukal. Some of these films include Aromalunni and Padayottam. He was also known for playing Hindu gods like Rama and Krishna. In his movies, he was often the romantic hero and the good guy who would defeat villains.

Even though his peak was in the 1970s, he remained a superstar until the early 1980s. In 1979, an amazing 39 of his films were released in one year. He also holds the record for acting in the most main roles, about 700 films. He worked with 85 different heroines, which is another record. His partnership with actress Sheela was very famous; they acted together in 130 movies. His pairing with comedian Adoor Bhasi was also very popular, always bringing laughter to the audience.

Later Career in the 1980s

By the early 1980s, Prem Nazir started taking on supporting roles. He acted alongside new superstars like Jayan and Mohanlal. In 1981, he had a major supporting role in Vida Parayum Munpe. For this film, he received the Kerala State Film Award (Special Jury Award).

One of his most memorable roles was in Padayottam (1982). This film was loosely based on the classic novel The Count of Monte Cristo. Nazir played Thamban, a prince who is betrayed and enslaved. The story shows how he returns to get revenge on those who wronged him. This role showed a different side of his acting, moving from romantic hero to a strong, vengeful character. Padayottam was a huge success and ran in theaters for a year.

His last completed film was Dhwani (1988), where he acted with Jayaram. His very last film to be released was Kadathanadan Ambadi (1990).

Popular Film Styles

Prem Nazir helped start two popular film styles: the C.I.D. series and the Vadakkanpattu series.

The C.I.D. series featured Nazir as a detective, similar to James Bond. In these movies, he often teamed up with Adoor Bhasi. Films like Lanka Dahanam made this series very popular. This style of detective films continues to influence Malayalam cinema today.

The Vadakkanpattu series was based on traditional folk tales from Kerala. These stories are about brave warriors and are passed down through folk songs. Nazir played many different characters from these tales. He later acted with other stars like Jayan and Mohanlal in these types of films.

Personal Life

Family Life

Prem Nazir was married to Habeeba Beevi. They had one son and three daughters. His son, Shanavas, also acted in some films. Prem Nazir's younger brother, Prem Nawas, was also an actor and later became a film producer.

Helping Others

Many people say that Prem Nazir was not only a great actor but also a very kind and generous person. He helped thousands of people during his lifetime. He was known for not caring if people thanked him; he was just happy to help. After he passed away, his family and friends learned about many of his generous acts from the people he had helped.

He helped his close friend, Jayan, become a superstar. When Jayan died in an accident, Nazir paid for his body to be flown from Chennai to Thiruvananthapuram. He also helped many film producers who were in financial trouble. If a film he acted in did not do well, he would offer to start another film right away and give his time for free. His generosity helped the Malayalam film industry grow a lot.

Nazir also wrote two books: Enne Thediyethiya Kathapatrangal (about the characters he played) and his autobiography, Anubhvangal Oarmakal.

His Passing

In the late 1980s, Prem Nazir campaigned for a friend who was running in politics. Even though he had diabetes, he worked tirelessly and sometimes did not eat properly. This affected his health, and he was admitted to the hospital for a stomach ulcer.

Many fans came to visit him in the hospital. It is believed that he caught measles from someone in the crowd. This made his already weak condition much worse. Despite efforts to treat him, Prem Nazir, the "Evergreen Hero," passed away on January 16, 1989, at the age of 62. His body was flown to Thiruvananthapuram and then taken by bus to his hometown, where he was buried with full state honors.

Awards and Recognition

Prem Nazir received the Kerala State Film Award (Special Jury Award) in 1981 for his supporting role in Vida Parayum Munpe. In 1983, the President of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan. This award recognized his outstanding contributions to the arts.

The Prem Nazir Award was created in 1992 to honor excellence in the Malayalam cinema industry. He also served as a jury member for the National Film Awards in 1985.

Legacy and Impact

Prem Nazir is considered one of the most influential and trendsetting lead actors in Malayalam cinema. He had an incredibly long career, acting alongside stars from different generations. He started in the early 1950s and continued to act with popular stars like Mammootty and Mohanlal in the 1980s. He was a major superstar in Malayalam cinema for over 30 years.

He is often seen as the ultimate romantic hero in Malayalam films. This is because of his good looks and his natural ability to act in romantic scenes, especially in songs. His song sequences, combined with the lyrics of Vayalar, music by Devarajan, and the voice of K.J. Yesudas, created a "golden era" for Malayalam film songs. Prem Nazir also holds the record for playing the most dual roles (more than 40) in Indian films.

Important Roles

Films with Dual Roles

Prem Nazir played double roles in over 40 films. His first movie with a double role was Kunjali Marakkar (1966).

• Kunjali Marakkar (1966) as Antonio/Narayanan Nair
• Udhyogastha (1967)
• Virunnukari (1969)
• C.I.D. Nazir (1971)
• Taxi Car (1972)
• Thirichadi (1971) as Kuttappan/Venu
• Rahasyam (1969) as Babu/K.K.Nair
• Seemantha Puthran (1978) as Surendran/Jayadevan
• Makane Ninakku Vendi (1971) as Sam/Thomachan
• Aromalunni (1974) as Kunjiraman/Aromalunni
• Gandharvakshethram (1974) as Gandharvan/Velayudhan
• Postmane Kananilla (1973) as Ramu/Aniyan
• Football Champion (1976) as Vijayan/ Thakil Veerachami
• Thenaruvi (1976) as Rajan/Mannaan.
• Ragapournami (1978) as Vinayan/Ajayan
• Thacholi Marumakan Chandu (1980) as Othenan/Kutty
• Honeymoon (1974)
• Mamangam (1980) as Marathandan/Kannan
• Pathiravum Pakalvelichavum (1974)
• Durga (1974) as Prof. Damodaran/Ramu
• Kottaaram Vilkkaanundu (1975) as Murali
• Picnic (1975) as Ravivarma/Rajagopal
• Pichathikuttappan (1979)
• Aaranyakaantam (1979) as Unnikrishnan/Duplicate Unni
• Ariyappedatha Rahasyam (1981)
• Kadamattathachan (1978) as Ravivarma/Kadamattathu Kathanar
• Ajayanum Vijayanum (1978) as Ajayan/Vijayan
• Paarijatham (1976)
• Vanadevatha (1976) as Chandran/Suresh
• Chennaaya Valarthiya Kutty (1976) as Sreeni/Maranchadi.
• Kannappanunni (1981) as Durgadasan/Kannappanunni.
• Kadathanaattu Maakkam (1978) as Nambeeshan/Kannan.
• Kanalkattakal (1979) as Panikkar/Vijayan.
• Aanappaachan (1978) as Paachan/Gopi.
• Vijayanum Veeranum (1982) as Vijayan/Veeran.
• Anthapuram (1981)
• Sanchari (1981) as Sumesh/Suresh
• Post Mortem (1982) as Vikariyachan/C.I.of Police.
• Marupacha (1982) as PremKumar, Premchandran
• Ente Katha (1983) as Sreekumar/Sankar
• Justice Raja (1983) as Justice Raja/Son of Raja.
• Muhammadum musthafayum (1978) as Rajan/Babu
• Rajurahim (1978) as Raju and Rahim
• Mallanum Mathevanum
• Anweshanam (1978) as Gopi/Venu
• Adachangala (1978) as Ravi/Johnny
• Ammini Ammavan (1977) as Anandhan/Suresh

Films with Triple Roles

• Ernakulam Junction (1971)
• Pushpanjali (1972)
• Amme Narayana (1984)

Other Notable Films

• Avakashi (1954)
• Murappennu (1965)
• Odeyil Ninnu (1966) – Based on a novel, this film tells a powerful story.
• Iruttinte Athmavu (1966) – Nazir played a mentally challenged character in this classic film.
• Nagarame Nandi (1967)
• Nadhi (1969), Adimakal (1969), Kallichellamma (1969)
• Ningalenne Communistakki (1970) – Based on a famous play.
• Thriveni (1970), Thurakkaatha Vaathil (1970)
• Anubhavangal Paalichakal (1971) – A story about early communists in Kerala.
• C.I.D. Nazir (1971) – A popular detective film series.
• Vilakku Vangiya Veena (1971)
• Maaya (1972), Aaradi Manninte Janmi (1972)
• Pani Theeratha Veedu (1973), Interview (1973)
• Achani (1973)
• Pathiravum Pakalvelichavum (1974)
• Pravaham (1975)
• Seemantha Puthran (1976), Themmadi Velappan (1976), Amrithavaahini (1976)
• Vishukkani (1977), Randu Lokam (1977)
• Snehathinte Mukhangal (1978)
• Asthamikkatha Pakalukal (1981)
• Karipuranda Jeevithangal (1981) – This was his 500th film and won an award.
• Vida Parayum Munpe (1981) – He won a special jury award for this film.
• Padayottam (1982) – A historical adventure film inspired by The Count of Monte Cristo.
• Ayalvasi Oru Daridravasi (1986) – A comedy film where he played a middle-aged father.
• Dhwani (1988) – His last completed film, known for its great performances and music.

See also

In Spanish: Prem Nazir para niños