Prem Nazir | |
---|---|
Born |
Abdul Khader 16 December 1929 Chirayinkeezhu, Travancore, Indian Empire |
Died | 16 January 1989 Chennai, India |
Cause of death | Measles |
Resting place | Chirayinkeezhu, Attingal |
Nationality | Indian |
Other names | Nithyaharitha nayakan ( നിത്യഹരിത നായകന് ) (Evergreen hero) |
Occupation | Actor |
Years active | 1952–1988 |
Known for | Malayalam films |
Spouse(s) | Habeeba Beevi |
Children | Laila, Rasiya, Rita, Shanavas |
Parent(s) | Shahul Hamid Asmabeevi |
Relatives | Prem Nawas (brother) |
Awards | Padma Bhushan (1983) |
Abdul Khader (29 December 1929 – 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 as one of the all time super stars in Malayalam cinema. Nazir was a popular lead actor from the 1950s till the early 1980s. 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 the arts. He died due to measles on 16 January 1989 at the age of 59.
Nazir was born in Chirayinkeezhu in the princely state of Travancore (now part of Kerala), to Akkode Shahul Hamid and Asuma Beevi on April 7, 1926. He has two brothers Prem Nawas, Ashraf and six sisters, Sulekha, Aleefa, Aneesa, Umaiba, Sunaisa and Suhara. His mother died when he was very young. He completed his formal education from Kadinamkulam Lower Primary School, Sri Chithiravilasam School, SD College, Alappuzha, and SB College, Changanassery. By the time he completed his education, he had become an experienced drama artist. It was on the sets of his second movie, Visappinte Vili (1952), that Abdul Khader was renamed Prem Nazir by Thikkurussi Sukumaran Nair.