It’s been 36 years since Malayalam’s evergreen hero Prem Nazir passed away. Once, Nazir and Sheela were the favourite on-screen pair of Malayalis. Their friendship was not just limited to cinema; it was a deep and enduring bond. Yet, Sheela’s absence at Prem Nazir’s final rites was a topic of much discussion. Now, Sheela has addressed this during her visit to Chirayinkeezhu, Nazir’s birthplace.

"I couldn’t bear to see Nazir sir’s lifeless face. Why should I see that? That’s why I didn’t come. At that time, I was in Sweden with my sister. I was informed about sir’s death. I could have come if I tried. But why? I made a decision. I remember Nazir sir’s face when he was alive. That’s enough for me," Sheela said.

Sheela was speaking after receiving the Prem Nazir Award from Minister KN Balagopal at a memorial event organized by the Chirayinkeezhu Pouravali. "The greatest award I have received so far was my son. But now, the award given by the people of Chirayinkeezhu in Nazir sir’s name means more than anything else to me," she added.