Laila Rasheed, the eldest daughter of Malayalam cinema legend Prem Nazir, passed away at the age of 76 on Thursday. She passed away around 7:30 p.m. at a private hospital in Kozhikode, where she was undergoing treatment following a heart attack, as reported by Manorama News. She had been living at a residence named ‘Sojith’ in Parayanchery.
Laila Rasheed’s early life and family
Born on August 24, 1950, in Chirayinkeezhu, Laila studied at several institutions during her school years. They included Chirayinkeezhu Kodikkakam Government Lower Primary School, Madras Presidency School, St. Roche’s Convent in Thiruvananthapuram and Koonthalloor Government High School.She later documented memories of her father in a memoir titled ‘Ithile Poyathu Vasantham’. Prem Nazir’s residence in Chirayinkeezhu, built in 1956, was named ‘Laila Cottage’ in honour of his eldest daughter.According to Manorama, Laila’s husband, E. A. Rasheed, was a superintending engineer in the Public Works Department. Their children are Sajith Khan, an architect based in Australia, and Soja, who lives in Coimbatore. Her son-in-law, V. Noushad, is the managing director of a popular company, while her daughter-in-law, Nasreen, lives in Australia.
Prem Nazir: Malayalam cinema’s evergreen hero
Prem Nazir was among Indian cinema’s most prolific leading actors. His filmography included more than 500 films as a lead actor, and he appeared opposite the same heroine in over 100 films. He also performed dual roles in more than 30 movies.Born Chirayinkil Abdul Kader in 1928, Prem Nazir hailed from Chirayinkeezhu in the erstwhile Travancore region. He graduated from St. Berchman’s College in Changanassery before entering the film industry.
From screen debut to stardom
Prem Nazir made his screen debut in 1952 with ‘Marumakal’ and gradually established himself as a leading star. His career was closely associated with Udaya and Merryland Studios. Alongside actors such as Madhu and Sathyan, he became one of the prominent figures in Malayalam cinema following India’s Independence.Prem Nazir and Sheela formed one of Malayalam cinema’s most memorable romantic pairs. Their partnership extended across more than 100 films.
