Thiruvananthapuram: Shanawas, son of Malayalam cinema legend Prem Nazir, carved his own path in the film and television industry, starting with romantic roles and later finding his place on the small screen. Though often introduced as “Prem Nazir’s son,” Shanawas went on to build a career of his own, one that spanned decades and multiple mediums.

Shanawas made his film debut in 1981 with Premageethangal, directed by Balachandra Menon. The film was a hit, and it quickly brought him into the spotlight. In 1982, he appeared in a song written by the legendary Sreekumaran Thampi. This also helped cement his place in the industry.

Being the son of Prem Nazir – known as Malayalam cinema’s “evergreen hero” – helped Shanawas enter the industry, but it was his performances that kept him there.

A decade of films before a break

Shanawas acted in around 80 films over a span of 10 years, between 1981 and 1991. Of these, he played the lead role in 25. One of his memorable performances was in Ivan Oru Simham, where he acted alongside his father as an on-screen father-son duo.

Following the death of Prem Nazir in 1989, Shanawas continued acting for a few more years before stepping away from cinema in 1991.

After leaving the film world, Shanawas worked for a shipping company in Dubai. He stayed away from acting for nearly 12 years.

However, during a holiday back home in 2003, he made a surprise comeback with the film Kaliyodam and the television serial Shankhupushpam. This marked his entry into the miniscreen, where he would go on to make a major impact.

In the years that followed, Shanawas appeared in more than 20 Malayalam TV serials, including:

  • Kalipattam
  • Black and White
  • Ammathottil

His steady presence on television helped introduce him to a new generation of viewers and expanded his fan base beyond cinema.

Film comebacks and powerful roles

Even while focusing on television, Shanawas continued to take on film roles. In 2009, he acted in Nammal Thammil, followed by appearances in:

  • Kanyakumari Express
  • China Town
  • Veeraputran
  • Rebecca Uthup Kizhakkemala
  • Zakariyayude Garbhinikal
  • Garbhasreeman
  • Kumbasaram
  • Koritharichha Naal
  • Gold

In Veeraputhran (2011), directed by P.T. Kunju Muhammed, Shanawas portrayed K.P. Kesava Menon, the founding editor of Mathrubhumi, in a biopic on freedom fighter Muhammad Abdurahman.

His performance in anti-hero roles, particularly in Zachariyayude Garbhinikal and Kumbasaram, drew critical attention. Shanawas continued working in films and serials until his final appearance in the movie Janaganamana, released in 2022.

Early life and entry into acting

Born in 1955, Shanawas studied at Montfort Boarding School in Yercaud. He later pursued his MA at New College, Royapettah, Chennai (then Madras). It was during his college days that Balachandra Menon approached him with the opportunity to act in a romantic role.

Encouraged by his father Prem Nazir, Shanawas accepted – and that decision marked the beginning of a long, multifaceted journey in Malayalam entertainment.