From conventional good looks to a screen name so romantic, he is one actor who went on to redefine stardom. A name that could draw crowds, the leading god of 70 mm. But beyond the star profile and box office numbers, there was a man so humble and humane, a trait that makes Prem Nazir a stark anomaly in the world of giant egos, even today.
Sreekumaran Thampi, who has associated with the late actor for over 100 films, says Nazir was the only superstar who never nurtured any particular fancy for the title. “Neither he, nor his fans ever used the term, and remember that he was the biggest star of his times.”
He adds Nazir was a man without any starry airs, accessible to all. “Every day there will be a crowd in front of his home and he always made sure that he ignored no one,” he says. The best part of his personality was that the actor considered himself a commoner.
“He lived in a modest home, no palatial mansion. He respected the industry and was least worried about his image, he was a true hero,” he adds.
Kaviyoor Ponnamma says she can still hear him calling her ‘Ponni’, coming up with suggestions to improve combination shots. “I think I have done maximum number of films with him, I have played both his mother and wife,” she laughs.
The veteran actress says despite his colossal stardom Nazir was never an intimidating presence on sets, even for newbies or light boys.
“He treated all equally and never lost his cool. We used to have lunch from the same plate and for him we were not mere co-actors, but parts of his family. He was a man so full of love and kindness and his death was a terrible shock for many of us,” she says. For Madhu, Nazir was a friend and co-star with whom he shared a very special rapport.
“We worked together for over twenty years, spending a lot of time together. He was a good actor, a supporting colleague and an incomparable friend,” he says.
Suresh Kumar’s biggest dream as a seven-year-old was doing a film with Prem Nazir. Now one of the most prominent producers in Malayalam, he says associating with the icon, even if for a couple of films, was a very special experience. “He always encouraged film aspirants, I think the young crop in the industry that time, including me, Priyadarshan and Mohanlal, had his blessings.”
He adds that more than a star, he was a great human being loved by the entire film fraternity. “He always made sure that a portion of his income reached the poor and the needy. He had a heart of of gold, always kind and gracious,” he winds up.