Kozhikode, Jan 3 (NationPress) The home of the late literary icon M.T. Vasudevan Nair saw an influx of visitors when it was announced that superstar Mammootty, who was abroad at the time of the writer's passing last week, would be coming to pay his respects and spend time with his family.
Upon arriving at Vasudevan Nair's residence, known as 'Sithara' after his eldest daughter, he was warmly welcomed by her and his wife. Mammootty took the time to explain that he had attempted to return for the final rites but was unable to do so.
While in Azerbaijan, Mammootty received the heartbreaking news of the passing of the man whose scripts and stories formed the backbone of many of his most successful Malayalam films.
Despite making several attempts to travel to Kozhikode, an unfortunate air incident in Azerbaijan thwarted his efforts, preventing him from bidding farewell to Vasudevan Nair.
However, the veteran actor expressed his feelings on social media, writing, "at least some people say that I was a find of MT."
"From the moment we first met, our bond deepened, evolving into a fraternal connection. Just recently, he stumbled and fell into my embrace, and for a brief instant, I felt like his son. The greatest gift I received from our collaboration is a place in his heart," Mammootty shared.
The partnership between these two legends began in 1980 with the film 'Vilkanunde Swapnengel', after which Mammootty's career flourished, consistently earning acclaim with each new work penned by MT.
His inaugural Kerala State Film Award came for 'Adiyozhukkukal' (1984), written by MT, and in 1989, he received his first national award for 'Oru Vaddaken Veeragatha' (with 'Mathilukel' directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan also in contention for the national accolade). In 1994, MT produced another masterpiece, 'Sukurthum', which elevated Mammootty's status even further.
Other notable films featuring their collaboration include 'Aalkoottathil Thaniye', 'Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja', and 'Utharam'.
The esteemed Jnanpith awardee and renowned author passed away on December 26, receiving a state funeral on December 27.
