Biography

The Prem Nazir Award was initiated in his memory, in 1992, for excellence in contributions to the Malayalam Film Industry. He was awarded the Padma Bushan Award by the Indian President in recognition of distinguished services of a high order to the nation in his field (acting). He has acted in a record 39 films which were were released in a single year - 1979. Holds the record for having acted in the most leading roles - over 600 films (with 85 heronies).

Holds the record for the most enduring screen team along with actress Sheela. They played opposite each other in 130 movies by 1975.

His association with playback singer Yesudas was just perfect. As of today, the Nazir-Yesudas combination of song sequences remains to be the best ever on screen.

Nazir also wrote a book on the film characters he played, Enne Thediyethiya Kathapatrangal. His autobiographical book is Anubhvangal Oarmakal.

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. His song sequences combined with the lyrics of Vayalar, tunes of Devarajan and voice of K.J. Yesudas produced what is called the golden era of Malayalam film songs.