Prem Nazir

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Birth name Abdul Khader
Nationality Inde
Birth 16 december 1929 at Chirayinkeezhu (Inde)
Death 16 january 1989 (at 59 years) at Chennai (Inde)
Awards Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan

Abdul Khader (7 April 1926 – 16 January 1989), better known by his stage name Prem Nazir, was an Indian film actor best known for his work in Malayalam cinema. He is considered one of the all time super stars in Malayalam cinema. He is referred to as the Nithya Haritha Nayakan (Ever Green Hero) of Malayalam cinema.

Nazir holds two Guinness World Records; for playing the lead role in a record 725 films, and for playing opposite the same heroine in 130 films (with Sheela), He also holds two other acting records; for acting opposite eighty heroines and for acting in lead roles in thirty nine films which were released in a single year (1979). He is regarded as one of the most successful actors in Indian cinema, and is also known for his powerful performances in films like Iruttinte Athmavu, Kallichellamma, Dhwani, Murappennu, Anubhavangal Paalichakal, Padayottam, Vida Parayum Munpe, Azhakulla Saleena, and Nadhi. Nazir also tried his hand in politics but was unsuccessful. The Government of India has honoured him with the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, the third and fourth highest civilian honours respectively, for his contribution towards Indian cinema. He died due to measles on 16 January 1989.

Biography

Family
Prem Nazir was married to Habeeba Beevi and they have three daughters viz. Laila (married to Engineer Rashid of Trivandrum & settled at Calicut), Rasiya (married to Mr.Hashim, Businessman from Kannur & settled at Chennai) – both elder to Shanavas. The youngest daughter is Rita (married to Doctor Sharafuddin of Punalur & settled at Muscat). Shanavas's wife Ayisha Malaysia is the daughter of the eldest sister of Prem Nazir Late Suleikha Beevi. Prem Nazir's son Shanavas acted in few films as well but could not succeed like his father. Third generation of Prem Nazir, Shanavas's son Shameer Khan, acted in a Malayalam film Uppukandam Brothers Back in Action.

Prem Nazir's younger brother Prem Nawas (Abdul Wahab) also acted in a few films. Although he was the first in the family to begin acting in movies, he later began producing films – Agniputhri, Thulaavarsham, Poojakku Edukatha Pookkal, Neethi and Keni to name a few. Prem Nawas's only son, Prem Kishore has also had a stint with the industry by acting in two Malayalam films – Vacation and Thaskaraputran. Prem Nawas has the distinction of acting in the first ever colour film made in Malayalam – Kandam Vechu Kottu.

Philanthropic work
Prem Nazir was a teetotaller. He tried his hand in politics and had joined the Congress Party but he never contested elections. He was also a social reformer and with a helping mentality to others. He helped with money to some public needs in and around Chirayinkeezhu. e.g.:- Koonthalloor School (On his memory this school is named after him Prem Nazir Memorial Government Higher Secondary School), Chirainkeezhu Hospital, Palakunnu Library etc. He donated an elephant in the Sarkara Devi Temple, Chirayinkil. Nazir also wrote a book on the film characters he played, Enne Thediyetha Kathapathrangal.

Death
Prem Nazir died on 16 January 1989 at a hospital in Madras. He was being treated for peptic ulcer complicated by viral fever and measles.