prem

Prem is a term used in several South Asian languages, including Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Marathi, Nepali, and Punjabi, meaning love or affection. It derives from the Sanskrit word prema, from which many related terms in Indo-Aryan languages originate.

As a given name, Prem is common in India and Nepal, primarily for men. It is found as a standalone name and as part of compound names such as Prem Kumar or Prem Nath. It is less common as a surname, but may appear in some families.

In popular culture, Prem has been used widely as a character name in Indian cinema and television. Notably, the leading male character named Prem in the 1994 Hindi film Hum Aapke Hain Koun...!, played by Salman Khan, is a widely recognized reference. The word also appears as the title of several films across languages, indicating its association with romance and affection.

Outside entertainment, the word is used in literature and religious contexts to denote various forms of love, including romantic, familial, or devotional love, depending on context.