Neyyattinkara Komalam, heroine of Prem Nazir’s first film, dies

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Actor Prem Nazir’s first heroine Neyyattinkara Komalam alias Komala Menon, died here Thursday. She was 96. She was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Parassala. She was admitted in the hosptial on October 15 following heart ailments.

Komalam was one of the first heroines of Malayalam cinema. Her debut was with Vanamala, first Malayalam film with a forest theme. Her hit film was Newspaper Boy released in 1955. She later acted in Vanamala, Aathmasanthi, Sandehi etc.

Komala was the heroine of Prem Nazir in his first film Marumakal. It was her third film. Nazir’s name was Abdul Khader while acting in the film. Komalam had quit films when he changed his name to Prem Nazir.

Komalam lost her husband six years into their marriage and has no children. She left the industry as her family was not supportive.