MUMBAI: In the illustrious history of Indian cinema, numerous superstars have graced the silver screen, becoming icons and leaving indelible marks on the industry. However, when it comes to sheer prolificacy and success, there is one name that stands above all – Malayalam cinema legend Prem Nazir. His extraordinary career, spanning from the early 1950s until his demise in 1989, is marked by an unparalleled achievement: over 400 hits and a record-breaking 50 blockbusters.
Prem Nazir's cinematic journey began in the early 1950s, and he swiftly became a heartthrob, equally adept in romantic roles, tragedies, mythologies, and historicals. Born Abdul Khader in 1926, Nazir adopted the screen name "Prem Nazir" during the filming of Visappinte Vili in 1952. His acting prowess and charm quickly established him as the undisputed superstar of Malayalam cinema.
What sets Prem Nazir's record apart is not just the sheer volume of hits but the fact that no other leading hero in Indian cinema, including iconic figures like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Rajinikanth, or Prabhas, comes close to his feat. Amitabh Bachchan, often considered a legendary figure, has 56 hits to his credit, while Shah Rukh and Salman have mid-30s each. Even Rajinikanth, a superstar from the southern film industry, falls short of reaching a hundred hits.
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Film historians estimate that around 50 of Prem Nazir's 400 hits were blockbusters, a number that remains unmatched in the annals of Indian cinema. Modern-day stars like Salman Khan and Rajinikanth, with 15 and 13 blockbusters, respectively, are the closest contenders, yet they are far from challenging Nazir's record.
Prem Nazir's dominance in the Malayalam film industry extended through the '60s and '70s, where he consistently delivered over a dozen hits each year. As he gracefully transitioned to supporting roles in the '80s, Nazir continued to leave an impact with hits like Padayottam (1982). His influence persisted even in his 50s, a testament to his enduring popularity.
The cinematic legacy of Prem Nazir remains unparalleled, and his contributions to Indian cinema are immortalized in the sheer magnitude of his hits and blockbusters. His last film, Kadathanadan Ambadi, directed by Priyadarshan, was released posthumously in 1990, marking the end of an era. Prem Nazir's name stands as a symbol of cinematic greatness, a true superstar who ruled the box office for two decades and left an indelible mark on the history of Indian cinema.
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Credit: DNA
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