'Nazir sir never complained nor begged for roles'; Bhagyalakshmi responds to Tini Tom's statement

Actress and dubbing artist Bhagyalakshmi has criticized actor Tini Tom’s statement about evergreen actor Prem Nazir. Bhagyalakshmi said that Tini Tom’s remarks were inaccurate. Tini Tom had stated that in his later years, Prem Nazir would visit the homes of Adoor Bhasi and Bahadoor and break down in tears due to the lack of film opportunities. In reaction to this claim, Bhagyalakshmi shared a video on social media addressing the matter.

Bhagyalakshmi’s response:

“Many people sent me Tini Tom’s comment that ‘Prem Nazir sir used to cry at the homes of Adoor Bhasi and Bahadoor when he was no longer getting film roles in his final days.’ For those of us who worked with him, who were in Madras until 1985, and who experienced his kindness firsthand, this remark was deeply painful. I had seen and spoken to him until his final days.

I last met him at Idapazhanji in Thiruvananthapuram before he passed away. Even then, he was happy and enjoying life. Those were the days he could finally spend quality time with his family. To say that such a person cried because he didn’t get roles is simply not true,” said Bhagyalakshmi.

“No matter who says it, Tini Tom should not have spoken without any authenticity. We must verify whether what we hear is true. These days, on YouTube channels, some people narrate exaggerated or fabricated stories about late artists as if they are facts. Even though those individuals are no longer alive, their families are, and they have to hear these things — do people not consider how hurtful that might be? It might seem like YouTubers are doing it just for money.

But an actor like Tini Tom should not make such statements in interviews. Not everything you hear is true. One should be cautious while speaking. When Nazir Sir was alive, Tini wasn’t even in the film industry. For those of us who worked with him and dined with him, this comment is painful. It’s a negative remark,” Bhagyalakshmi said.

“Everyone would sit outside the studio sharing stories and one-liners. Nazir sir was the kind of person who would say, ‘If I do this, it won’t be right, someone else should do it... call him.’ He was not someone who complained or begged for roles. His home in Madras was a welcoming place for anyone from Kerala to enter confidently. There was always food available. His children and grandchildren are still alive today. What would they think when they hear Tini Tom’s statement? Won’t they believe that their grandfather died after suffering so much? Nazir sir was not that kind of person, Tini... If you hold such an opinion, you should correct it,” Bhagyalakshmi concluded.