One of the most memorable names of the studio era of Malayalam film industry, Prem Nazir is often referred as the 'Nithyaharitha Nayakan' or 'Evergreen Hero'.
Nazir was born as Abdul Khader in Chirayinkeezhu in Travancore (now Thiruvananthapuram) on 7 April 1926. From playing Shylock in his college play while studying in SB College, Changanacherry, Prem Nazir went on to become one of the irreplaceable stars of Malayalam film industry from the 50's to the late 70s.
He holds the Guinness World Record of playing the male lead in the most number of films - 725. He also holds the record for playing the lead opposite the same heroine in the most number of films - 130 movies with Sheela.
Listen to 10 unforgettable songs featuring 'Nithyaharitha Nayakan' Prem Nazir here.
1. 'Karayunno Puzha Chirikkunno' from 'Murappennu'
2. 'Sanyasini' from 'Rajahamsam'
3. 'Manohari Nin Manoradathil' from 'Lottery Ticket'
4. 'Alliyambal Kadavil' from 'Rosi'
5. 'Swapanagale Ningal' from 'Kavyamela'
6. 'Manathe Kayalil' from 'KalliChellamma'
7. 'Manjilayil Mungi Thorthi' from 'Kalithozhan'
8. 'Ni Madhu Pakaru' from 'Moodal Manju'
9. 'Aayiram Paadasarangal' from 'Nadi'
10. 'Kasthoori Manakkunnallo' from 'Picnic'
Prem Nazir, reigning as one of the biggest stars of Malayalam cinema from 1950's to late 70's had played Rama, Krishna, CIDs, Kadathanadan Ambadi, Majnu, Kujiraman as well as hundreds of other characters.
The actor, who was also a well-known philanthropist, had also tried his hand in politics once. At one point, he joined the Congress party, probably taking a cue from his Tamil and Telugu contemporaries like MG Ramachandran and NT Rama Rao who had joined politics, but his political career never took off.
Prem Nazir died on 16 January 1989 in Madras (now Chennai) due to peptic ulcer and measles.