The Malayalam film industry is in deep mourning as veteran actor and cinematic icon Prem Nazir’s son, Shanavas, has passed away. He was 71 and had been undergoing treatment for heart and kidney-related ailments. Shanavas breathed his last at around 11:50 PM on Monday at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram.
According to reports, he was suffering from serious health issues for the last four years. After his condition worsened on Monday evening, he was rushed from his residence in Vazhuthacaud’s Cordon Trinity to the hospital, where he later passed away. Funeral will be held today, August 5, at the Palayam Muslim Jamaat Cemetery.
Who Was Shanavas?
Shanavas began his film career in 1981 with the romantic drama Prema Geethangal, directed by Balachandra Menon. Throughout his career, he worked in over 50 films, making a notable markin Malayalam cinema. His major films include Mazhanilavu, Eyugam, Maniara, Nilgiri, Garbhasreeman and Zachariayude Garbhinikal. He was also a familiar face on television, featuring in popular serials like Shankhumugham, Veluthu Katrina, Kadamattathu Kathanar, and Satyameva Jayate.
After a long break, he made a comeback in 2011 with the film China Town. His last film was Jana Gana Mana, in which he played an important character focusing on the failures of the system and the justice system.
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Who Was Prem Nazir?
Prem Nazir, often hailed as a legend, left an indelible mark on the Malayalam film industry. His acting journey began with theatre, when he played the role of Shylock in The Merchant of Venice in 1951. He entered films in 1952 with Marumakal and got his first big recognition with the film Visappinte Vili in the same year. It was during this film that actor Thikkurussi Subramaniam Nair changed his name to ‘Prem Nazir’.
At a time when theatre was the dominant art form, Prem Nazir became a household name in Malayalam cinema. He worked for a long time with Udaya and Maryland Studios and is considered one of the most starred actors in Indian cinema history.
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