Prem Nazir (born Abdul Khader; 7 April 1926 – 16 January 1989) was an Indian film actor known as one of Malayalam cinema's definitive leading men of his generation. He is considered one of the most successful actors of Indian cinema. Nazir is often referred to as Nithyaharitha Nayakan ("Evergreen Hero"). Nazir began his career as a stage actor and made his film debut with the 1952 film Marumakal. He took on the stage name Prem Nazir on the sets of his second film, Visappinte Vili (1952). Nazir rose to stardom during the 1950s to become one of the biggest superstars from the 1950s to his death in 1989. He is most famous for being a romantic actor. After 1985, he intentionally moved from main hero roles to character roles as he wanted to do all kinds of characters, as other artists do.
Nazir is noted for his critically acclaimed performances in films such as Murappennu (1965), Iruttinte Athmavu (1967), Kallichellamma (1969), Nadhi (1969), Anubhavangal Paalichakal (1971), Azhakulla Saleena (1973), Vida Parayum Munpe (1981), Padayottam (1982), and Dhwani (1988). Nazir won the Kerala State Film Award (Special Jury Award) for his role as Madhavan Kutty in Vida Parayum Munpe. The Government of India 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 62.
Nazir holds two Guinness World Records: for playing the lead role in a record 720 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 41 films which were released in a single year (1979).
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