India’s most successful actor, starred in 700 films, gave 400 hits, 50 blockbusters, did 130 films with same actress, won Guinness world records for…

This superstar used to work in double or triple shifts, appearing in 30 films twice a year. He held the record for playing lead role in more than 700 films.

There has been some of the biggest superstars in Indian cinema who have starred in some of the biggest blockbusters and given more hits than most actors can dream of. The one we are talking about is leading man who left behind superstars like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Dilip Kumar, Rajinikanth or even Kamal Haasan with his multiple world records. He is none other than the Malayam screen idol Prem Nazir.

Prem Nazir’s record-breaking acting journey

In a career that spanned from 1951-89, Prem Nazir worked as a lead in a staggering 720 films, making an unbeatable world record. He used to work in double or triple shifts, appearing in 30 films twice a year. Industry analysts and trade experts estimate that Nazir starred in at least 400 hit films as hero, out of which 50 became blockbuster at box office.

Born Abdul Khader in Travancore in 1929, Nazir started his acting career in college as he used to actively take parts in plays or other similar activities. With his second superhit film Visappinte Vili, he was renamed Prem Nazir. Soon, he became a heartthrob and made name for himself by playing suave characters.

In 80s, Nazir was head and shoulders above all his contemporaries and juniors in Malayalam cinema. Soon, he was regarded as industry’s first superstar and was nicknamed Nithyaharitha Nayakan (Evergreen Hero) by his fans and the media. Moreover, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Bhushan the third highest civilian award for his contribution towards arts. He also holds Guinness World Record for working with same actress (Sheela) in 130 films, and previously held the record for playing the lead role in 720 films.

The legendary Malayalam actor passed away due to measles on January 16, 1989 at the age of 59.