Prem Nazir
Trivandrum, India | |
---|---|
Other names | Nithyaharitha Nayakan (Evergreen Hero) |
Alma mater | |
Occupation | Actor |
Years active | 1951–1989 |
Known for | Malayalam films |
Spouse |
Habeeba Beevi (m. 1944) |
Children | 4, including Shanavas |
Relatives | Prem Nawas (brother) |
Awards | Padma Bhushan (1983) |
Prem Nazir (born Abdul Khader; 7 April 1926 – 16 January 1989) was an Indian actor known as one of
Nazir is noted for his performances in films such as
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).
Early life
Nazir was born in
Career
Entry into cinema
Prem Nazir had his acting debut as Shylock in the play
1950s: Rise to stardom
With the arrival of Nazir, there was a new screen personality, a new debonair actor who could be a youth heart throb. Prem Nazir acquired the halo of a romantic hero and a loyal following. His tear-jerkers were very popular with female audiences and soon made him a darling of the masses. He became the first real star of Malayalam cinema. Another factor that assisted Prem Nazir's rise – as it had the rise of his contemporaries in other regional film industries – was the continuing reign of mythologicals and devotionals. Costumed musicals, filmed start-to-finish within the confines of a studio, contributed their own. All such films for a long period kept him before his fans, nourished his romantic image and provided him unlimited scope for rehearsing and refining his talent in playing diverse roles. Since the bulk of South Indian cinema was theatrical visually and aurally, Prem Nazir's stage background and his extraordinary command of Malayalam helped him win the hearts of his audience.[9]
1960s, 1970s: Golden years
In the late 1950s, Nazir drew attention by playing movies with themes based on social and religious injustices in the society. From 1956 to 1976, Prem Nazir rode high at the crest of a tidal wave of popularity and also gave his best to Malayalam cinema. Nazir catapulted to the row of the finest actors of India with the film Iruttinte Athmavu (1967). Playing a demented youth – Velayadhan, Prem Nazir discovered his prowess as a dramatic actor of great intensity. Many critics have evaluated this role as his masterpiece, and as one of the finest onscreen performances ever. Written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair, the film provided Malayalam cinema with a new direction; that of the low-budget film. One could see a lot of the pre-occupations of the scenarist, who carried the touches of human relationships through all of his subsequent films whether as screenplay writer or director. In spite of its large number of studio shots and overall theatricality, the film was so culturally rich that many of the episodes would become archetypes for future Malayalam film makers dealing with family drama. It depicted the story of an imbecile (finely portrayed by Prem Nazir) in a joint family with remarkable sensitivity and seriousness of purpose.
During his peak time, Nazir gave life to many characters and enjoyed a wide popularity among all sects of the society. He acted in the first-ever investigative series in Malayalam cinema
Even though Nazir could not regenerate after the mid-1970s, he maintained his superstardom till the beginning of the 1980s. In 1979, 39 of his films got released; a record. He also holds the record for having acted in the most leading roles – about 700 films (with 85 heroines; another record). Another record is for the most enduring screen team along with actress
1980s: Late career
By the beginning of the 1980s, Nazir himself moved into supporting roles. He mostly played supporting roles with
Popular film genres
Two popular film series initiated by Prem Nazir are the C.I.D series and the Vadakkanpattu series. The former is a group of investigative films by P. Venu in which Nazir played James Bond like protagonists. In most of these movies Nazir teamed with Adoor Bhasi, a famed comedy actor who would accompany Nazir characters in investigations.
Another film series starring Nazir was a series of movies based on Vadakanpaattu which are part of the traditional folklore of Kerala. These are tales of martial warriors spread over generations through folk songs. Although the series may have been initiated by Sathyan's title role in Thacholi Othenan, the trend was continued long after his demise with Nazir in the lead, playing various other characters from Vadakkanpattu.[13]
Personal life
Family
Prem Nazir was married to Habeeba Beevi and they have one son and three daughters. Laila, Rasiya – both older than
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 Becha Kottu. [14]
Philanthropic work
Prem Nazir, renowned for both his acting prowess and philanthropic endeavors, remains a subject of debate on whether he excelled more as an actor or humanitarian. Widely regarded for his generosity, Nazir treated colleagues, well-wishers, and family with equal kindness. His humanitarian impact became evident posthumously as beneficiaries of his assistance came to light. Nazir's compassion extended to supporting his close friend Jayan, financing the transportation of Jayan's remains following a tragic accident during the shoot of "Kolilakkam."
Notably, Nazir played a pivotal role in promoting his film colleagues, demonstrating a sharp memory by instantly recognizing individuals. Collaborating with director M. Sasikumar, he assisted bankrupt producers, aiding them in regaining their prominence in the film industry. Nazir's golden era in Malayalam cinema was characterized by his unparalleled generosity, where he not only contributed to his own success but also facilitated the growth of others in the industry.
Beyond his cinematic achievements, Nazir donated an elephant to the Sarkara Devi Temple in Chirayinkil and authored books such as "Enne Thediyethiya Kathapatrangal" detailing the film characters he portrayed and his autobiography, "Anubhvangal Oarmakal." Director and lyricist Sreekumaran Thampi further honored Nazir with the book "Prem Nazir Enna Prema Ganam.[15]
Death
It was during the late 1980s that Nazir, despite being a person with no political affiliations, campaigned rigorously for a running candidate in politics who happened to be a close friend of his. Due to his sincerity, dedication and tireless nature to help people in need, Nazir, who was a diabetic, failed to have proper food at times as he placed his mission much above his health. However all this took a toll on this and he became admitted to Vijaya hospital due to duodenal ulcer which happens due to irregularity of having food.[16] During that stint many of his fans had come to see him and since it was impossible in those days to contain a large following, people just poured in to check the well being of their favorite actor. In that crowd it is said that there was a person who had measles and had freshly bathed which would increase the germs to spread. Nazir in his weak physique contracted it and this led his feeble condition to deteriorate further. Even though valiant attempts were made like trying to bring medicines from abroad to treat him, it all ended up in fiasco and the Nithya Haritha Nayakan died in the early hours of 16 January 1989, aged 62.[17] His dead body was transported via aeroplane to Thiruvananthapuram, and via a special bus to his native land, where he was buried with full state honours.
Awards
Prem Nazir won his only
Legacy and influence
Prem Nazir is known to be the most influential and trendsetting lead actor in Malayalam. He is known for his amazing longevity in that he was active during the peak years of other iconic Malayalam superstars like
by the 1980s. He was a mainstream superstar in Malayalam cinema for over 30 years from the late 1950s to late 1980s. He also has an unofficial recognition of playing a campus character while in his late fifties. Prem Nazir has the distinction of acting with the same heroine; Sheela, in over 100 films.Nazir is generally considered the ultimate romantic hero in Malayalam cinema due to his handsomeness and ease of acting in romantic roles particularly in romantic song sequences.
Filmography
Important roles
Films in which Nazir played dual roles
Prem Nazir holds the record of playing double roles in more than 40 films of his career. The first movie in which he had played a double role was the historical film, Kunjali Marakkar, directed by SS Rajan. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam.[21]
1
2 Udhyogastha (1967)
3 Virunnukari (1969)
4 C.I.D. Nazir (1971)
5 Taxi Car (1972)
6 Thirichadi (1971) as Kuttappan/Venu
7 Rahasyam (1969) as Babu/K.K.Nair
8 Seemantha Puthran (1978) as Surendran/Jayadevan
9 Makane Ninakku Vendi (1971) as Sam/Thomachan
10 Aromalunni (1974) as Kunjiraman/Aromalunni
11 Gandharvakshethram (1974) as Gandharvan/Velayudhan
12 Postmane Kananilla (1973) as Ramu/Aniyan
13 Football Champion (1976) as Vijayan/ Thakil Veerachami
14 Thenaruvi (1976) as Rajan/Mannaan.
15 Ragapournami (1978) as Vinayan/Ajayan
16 Thacholi Marumakan Chandu (1980) as Othenan/Kutty
17 Honeymoon (1974)
18 Mamangam (1980) as Marathandan/Kannan
19 Pathiravum Pakalvelichavum (1974)
20 Durga (1974) as Prof. Damodaran/Ramu
21 Kottaaram Vilkkaanundu (1975) as Murali
22 Picnic (1975) as Ravivarma/Rajagopal
23
24 Aaranyakaantam (1979) as Unnikrishnan/Duplicate Unni
25 Ariyappedatha Rahasyam (1981)
26 Kadamattathachan (1978) as Ravivarma/Kadamattathu Kathanar
27 Ajayanum Vijayanum (1978) as Ajayan/Vijayan
28 Paarijatham (1976)
29 Vanadevatha (1976) as Chandran/Suresh
30 Chennaaya Valarthiya Kutty (1976) as Sreeni/Maranchadi.
31 Kannappanunni (1981) as Durgadasan/Kannappanunni.
32 Kadathanaattu Maakkam (1978) as Nambeeshan/Kannan.
33 Kanalkattakal (1979) as Panikkar/Vijayan.
28 Aanappaachan (1978) as Paachan/Gopi.
29 Vijayanum Veeranum (1982) as Vijayan/Veeran.
30 Anthapuram (1981)
31 Sanchari (1981) as Sumesh/Suresh
32 Post Mortem (1982) as Vikariyachan/C.I.of Police.
33Marupacha (1982) as PremKumar, Premchandran
34 Ente Katha (1983) as Sreekumar/Sankar
35 Justice Raja (1983) as Justice Raja/Son of Raja.
36. Muhammadum musthafayum (1978) as Rajan/Babu
37. Rajurahim (1978) as Raju and Rahim
38. Mallanum Mathevanum
39. Anweshanam (1978) as Gopi/Venu
40. Adachangala (1978) as Ravi/Johnny
41. Ammini Ammavan (1977) as Anandhan/Suresh
Films in which Nazir played triple roles
- Ernakulam Junction (1971)
- Pushpanjali(1972)
- Amme Narayana (1984)
Other important films and characters
- Avakashi(1954)
- Murappennu (1965)
- P. Kesavadev.
- Iruttinte Athmavu (The Soul of Darkness) (1966) – Nazir played the mentally challenged Bhrantan Velayudhan in this film based on the classic novel by M. T. Vasudevan Nair.
- Nagarame Nandi [Thanks to the City] (1967)
- Nadhi (The River) (1969), Adimakal (1969), Kallichellamma(1969)
- Ningalenne Communistakki (You Made Me a Communist) – The 1970 film was based on the drama of the same name by Thoppil Bhasi.
- Thurakkaatha Vaathil[The Door Never Opens] (1970)
- Sathyan.
- C.I.D. Nazir (1971) – A investigative series by P. Venu
- Vilakku Vangiya Veena (1971)
- Aaradi Manninte Janmi[The Landlord of 6 feet Earth] (1972)
- Pani Theeratha Veedu[The House never completes] (1973), Interview (1973)
- Achani (1973)
- Pathiravum Pakalvelichavum [Midnight & Daylight] (1974)
- Pravaham [Current] (1975)
- Seemantha Puthran [The First Son] (1976), Themmadi Velappan [Idiot Velappan] (1976), Amrithavaahini (1976)
- Vishukkani (1977), Randu Lokam (1977)
- Snehathinte Mukhangal [The Faces of Love] (1978)
- Asthamikkatha Pakalukal [The Days never Ends] (1981)
- Karipuranda Jeevithangal[500th Film Got Outstanding Performance Award] (1981)
- Kerala State Film Award.
- Padayottam (The Campaign) (1982) – Its story was inspired by Alexandre Dumas classic novel The Count of Monte Cristo and the treatment of the film was inspired by that of Ben-Hur.
- Ayalvasi Oru Daridravasi (Neighbour The Pauper!) (1986) – A comedy film by Priyadarshan, Nazir performed as a middle-aged father.
- Naushad Ali.
References
- 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.
- ISBN 0553583751.
- ^ Sheela's comeback[usurped]. The Hindu. 5 January 2004. Retrieved 3 December 2011.
- ^ ivayana (18 August 2020). "തുളുക്കപ്പട അഥവാ റാവുത്തർമാർ .... Mansoor Naina". Ivayana. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
- ^ "Narration about Prem Nazir at the end of movie". amritatv.com. Archived from the original on 7 March 2016. Retrieved 2 April 2015.
- ^ "Remembering Prem Nazir: Malayalam cinema's evergreen hero, world record holder". The Week. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
- ^ "Evolution of superstardom in Malayalam cinema". fullpicture.in. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
- ^ Kumar, Vishnu (24 March 2019). "Tribute to the evergreen hero". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
- ^ "A toast to Prem Nazir's unmatched padayottam - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
- ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
- ^ "Malyalam script writer Sarangapani dies". Deccan Herald. 2 February 2011. Archived from the original on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 9 June 2011.
- ^ Shameer Khan
- ^ "Why memories about Prem Nazir are still evergreen?". www.onmanorama.com. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
- ^ "The Real Truth of Prem Nazir's death | Son Shanawas reveals for the first time on TV". YouTube.
- ^ Dileep, Lalita (26 February 2013). "Actor-politician Prem Nazir dies". India Today. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
- ^ The Times of India Directory and Year Book Including Who's who. 1980. Archived from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 8 November 2018.
- ^ "This memory is Evergreen-Nostalgia-Metro Manorama". manoramaonline.com. 2 May 2011. Archived from the original on 26 August 2011. Retrieved 10 May 2011.
- ^ "Kozhikode remembers matinee idol Prem Nazir". The Hindu. 17 January 2011. Archived from the original on 22 September 2011. Retrieved 9 June 2011.
- ^ "Malayalam actors in dual roles". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
External links
- Prem Nazir at IMDb
- Prem Nazeer at the MSI Movie Database
- Extensive reportage of Prem Nazir's death on Doordarshan (January 16, 1989)
- Vidarunna Ormakal – Interview with Prem Nazir on YouTube
- Prem Nazir – The Last Journey on YouTube