Veteran Malayalam actor Shanavas, son of legend Prem Nazir, dies at 71. Here's all you need to know about him

Shanavas, son of legendary screen icon Prem Nazir, passed away late Monday night at the age of 71. The veteran Malayalam actor breathed his last at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram where he had been undergoing treatment for kidney-related ailments. According to hospital sources, the actor was admitted just a few hours before his passing around midnight.

Shanavas was residing in a flat near Akashvani, Vazhuthacaud, and had been leading a relatively quiet life in recent years. His death is the end of an era for many Malayali cinephiles who remember him not just as the son of a legend, but as a talented actor in his own right. As per the latest updates, his funeral will be held this evening at the Palayam Muslim Jamaath cemetery.

Who is Shanavas?

For the unversed, he made his film debut in 1981 with Premageethangal, directed by Balachandra Menon, while pursuing his MA in English Literature at New College, Chennai. Though he entered the industry bearing the weight of a famous surname, Shanavas went on to carve a distinct identity through a wide range of roles in both Malayalam and Tamil cinema.


Over four decades, the veteran actor has appeared in 96 films, playing everything from romantic leads to intense villains. Among his most memorable performances are roles in Mouna Raagam, Chithram, Gaanam, Maharajavu, Manithali, and Premageethangal. His role in the 2011 superhit film China Town, alongside Mohanlal, marked a successful comeback after a long hiatus.

Shanavas also had the rare privilege of acting alongside his father Prem Nazir in seven films, beginning with Ivan Oru Simham. His final film, Jana Gana Mana (2022), a critically acclaimed thriller starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, proved that his screen presence remained undiminished even in his later years. In addition to his film career, Shanavas had also appeared in several popular television serials.

Educated in Chirayinkeezhu, Yercaud, and Chennai, Shanavas was known off-screen as a calm and thoughtful personality. His colleagues remember him as a humble, sincere, and dedicated actor.