Veteran actor Shanawas, son of Prem Nazir, passes away at 71

Thiruvananthapuram: Shanawas (71), noted Malayalam actor and son of evergreen superstar Prem Nazir, passed away on Monday night. He breathed his last around midnight at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, where he was admitted at around 7 PM. The actor had been undergoing treatment for kidney-related ailments. He was residing in a flat near Akashvani, Vazhuthacaud.

Shanawas had acted in 96 films across Malayalam and Tamil languages. He made his cinematic debut in 1981 with Prema Geethangal, directed by Balachandra Menon, while he was still a postgraduate student of English Literature at New College, Chennai. He had his early education at Chirayinkeezhu English Medium School, Montfort School, and Yercaud.

He played lead roles in around 25 films and was known for his versatility in both protagonist and antagonist roles. Some of his noted films include Manithali, Gaanam, Himam, China Town, Chithram, and Koritharicha Naal. He shared screen space with his father Prem Nazir for the first time in Ivan Oru Simham, followed by appearances together in seven more films. His final film appearance was in Jana Gana Mana.

After the passing of Prem Nazir in 1989, Shanawas continued to act for a few more years, but gradually distanced himself from the film industry due to the monotony of roles. He later took up a managerial role in a shipping company in the Gulf. Eventually, he returned to the entertainment field through television serials and occasional film roles.

He is survived by his wife Ayisha Beevi, children Ajith Khan (Dubai) and Shameer Khan, and daughter-in-law Hana (Kollam). His mother, Habeeba Beevi, had predeceased him. He is also survived by his sisters Laila, Razia, and Reetha.

The funeral will take place at 5 PM on Tuesday at the Palayam Juma Masjid, where the mortal remains will be brought earlier in the evening.