Kamal Haasan Honors Jnanpith Laureate MT Vasudevan Nair

Chennai, Dec 26 (NationPress) The celebrated South Indian actor Kamal Haasan has paid homage to the esteemed Jnanpith laureate and titan of Malayalam literature, M. T. Vasudevan Nair.

Kamal Haasan, who worked alongside Nair in legendary films like 'Kanyakumari' and 'Manorathangal', expressed his sorrow over the loss of a mentor and a creative powerhouse.

Nair, known for his significant contributions as a screenwriter, director, and producer, was a prominent figure in both Indian literature and cinema.

In a message shared on the social media platform X, Kamal Haasan reminisced, "My friendship with him, as the creator of the film Kanyakumari, which introduced me to the Malayalam film industry, spans fifty years and continued until the recent Manorathangal."

In a heartfelt audio tribute recorded in Malayalam, the actor remarked, "Whether it's those aspiring to be writers, those who consider themselves writers, or those recognized as writers - when they reflect on the works of M. T. Vasudevan Nair Sir, it stirs a myriad of emotions: respect, envy, fear, and affection."

Reflecting on his early career, Kamal Haasan shared, "I was merely 19 when I starred in Kanyakumari (1974). At that age, I was unaware of M.T. Sir's greatness. Shortly after, I viewed his film Nirmalyam (1973). If my passion for cinema was a small flame, Nirmalyam ignited it into a roaring blaze. In my view, luminaries like Satyajit Ray, Shyam Benegal, M.T. Vasudevan Nair, and Girish Karnad may have hailed from different states, but they share a profound kinship."

He further expressed, "Saying goodbye is reserved for ordinary people. M.T. Sir and his literary legacy will endure for centuries. They will persist even after we are gone. I lack the heart to bid farewell, Sir. Please forgive me."

Nair, who had been receiving treatment at a private hospital in Kozhikode following heart failure, passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 91.

Affectionately known as MT, he was regarded as one of the finest writers in Malayalam and held the position of editor at Mathrubhumi Weekly, a notable literary publication from Kerala.

Born on July 15, 1933, in Kudallur, Ponnani Taluk, MT was the youngest of four sons of T. Narayanan Nair and Ammalu Amma. His upbringing, often portrayed in his semi-autobiographical writings, was characterized by poverty and struggle.

MT commenced his education at Malamakavu Elementary School, continued at Kumaranellur High School, and graduated with a degree in Chemistry from Victoria College, Palakkad, in 1953.

After completing his degree, he worked briefly as a teacher before joining Mathrubhumi as a sub-editor in 1957.

A recipient of the Padma Bhushan, MT was a literary giant and a cinematic visionary. His contributions to both spheres have left an enduring impact, establishing him as one of the most revered writers in the Malayalam language. MT garnered four National Film Awards for screenwriting, directed seven films, and scripted around 54 more.

His screenplays, now available in published form, are considered essential reading for aspiring filmmakers.

Throughout his career, MT received numerous accolades, including the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award, Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, Vayalar Award, Vallathol Award, Ezhuthachan Award, Mathrubhumi Literary Award, and O.N.V. Literary Award. In 2013, he was honored with the J.C. Daniel Award for lifetime achievement in Malayalam cinema.

In 2022, he was awarded the inaugural Kerala Jyothi Award, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the Kerala Government. He received the Jnanpith, India's most prestigious literary award, in 1995.

Nair's literary works continue to resonate deeply, offering profound insights into the complexities of life and human emotions. The passing of this literary stalwart signifies the end of an era, yet his legacy will eternally remain ingrained in the hearts of countless admirers and within the annals of Malayalam literature and cinema.