Who Is Prem Nazir? Age, Biography and Wiki
Prem Nazir, born on April 6, 1926, in Irinjalakuda, Kerala, India, is often hailed as one of the most iconic actors in Malayalam cinema. With an illustrious career that spanned over four decades, Nazir became the face of countless blockbuster films between the 1950s and 1980s. His ability to portray a wide range of characters made him a beloved figure in the film industry. He passed away on January 16, 1989, but his legacy continues to inspire new generations of actors.
| Occupation | Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 6, 1926 |
| Age | 62 Years |
| Birth Place | Chirayinkeezhu, Kingdom of Travancore, British Raj (present day Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India) |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | India |
| Date of death | 16 January, 1989 |
| Died Place | Madras, Tamil Nadu, India |
Popularity
Prem Nazir's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details on Prem Nazir's height and weight vary, he was known for his charismatic on-screen presence.
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
- Weight: Estimated around 150 lbs (68 kg) during his acting days
- Body Measurements: Nazir maintained a fit physique throughout his career, contributing to his versatile acting roles.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Prem Nazir was a private individual, especially regarding his personal life. He was married to his long-term wife, although details about his marriage and family life were kept largely away from the public eye. Notably, he had several children, who have occasionally shared their insights on their father’s impactful life in the film industry.
He had two brothers - Prem Nawas (Abdul Wahab) - and Ashraf and six sisters - Sulekha, Arifa, Aneesa, Umaiba, Sunaisa and Suhara. His mother died when he was very young, and his father remarried a woman of the same name.
He completed his formal education from Kadinamkulam Lower Primary School, Sri Chithiravilasam School, Thiruvananthapuram, Sanatana Dharma College, Alappuzha, and St. Berchmans College, Changanassery. By the time he completed his education, he had become an experienced drama artist.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, while precise figures for Prem Nazir's net worth remain speculative due to his passing, estimates suggest that his contributions to cinema have solidified his status as one of the richest actors in Malayalam film history. At the height of his career, it was reported that he earned substantial sums per film, making him one of the highest-paid actors of his time. His legacy likely continues to generate income through royalties, film re-releases, and memorabilia.
Career, Business and Investments
Prem Nazir's career is characterized by his remarkable versatility and prolific output. With over 700 films to his credit, he became synonymous with success in Malayalam cinema. His collaboration with notable directors and actors of the time helped shape the industry. In addition to his acting career, Prem Nazir also ventured into film production and direction, further expanding his influence.
Prem Nazir (born Abdul Khader; 6 April 1926 – 16 January 1989) was an Indian actor known as one of Malayalam cinema's definitive leading men of his generation. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential actors in the history of Indian cinema.
A popular cultural icon of Kerala, 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).
Social Network
Prem Nazir, while not active in modern social media platforms, has a vast legacy that continues to resonate with fans and cinema enthusiasts. Various fan pages and tribute sites exist on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, where admirers share memories, images, and milestones from his life and career.
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.
Education
Prem Nazir received his early education in Kerala before stepping into the world of cinema. His passion for acting led him to pursue a career in the performing arts, where his natural talent allowed him to flourish. Though not extensively documented, his educational background laid the groundwork for his successful career in film.
