Veteran Malayalam Writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair Passes Away at 91
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Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 25 (NationPress) M.T. Vasudevan Nair, the legend of Malayalam literature and recipient of the Jnanpith Award, has sadly passed away in a private hospital located in Kozhikode, Kerala. He was aged 91.
Affectionately known as MT, he is revered as one of the most prominent writers in Malayalam and held the position of editor at Mathrubhumi Weekly, a well-regarded publication from Kerala.
A recipient of the Padma Bhushan, MT was a symbolic figure in both Malayalam literature and cinema.
His remarkable contributions have made a lasting impression across both domains, earning him a place among the most esteemed writers in the Malayalam language.
MT achieved four National Film Awards for his screenplay writing and directed seven films while scripting around 54 others.
His screenplays, now published as books, are considered essential reading for aspiring filmmakers.
Throughout his career, he garnered numerous prestigious awards, 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 bestowed with the J.C. Daniel Award for lifetime achievement in Malayalam cinema.
In 2022, he received the inaugural Kerala Jyothi Award, the highest civilian honor presented by the Kerala Government.
MT was awarded the Jnanpith Award, India's most prestigious literary honor, in 1995 for his remarkable contributions to literature.
In October of this year, MT was in the news when gold ornaments were stolen from his home while he and his wife were away. The police later retrieved the stolen items, linking a domestic helper to the crime.
MT began writing at a young age, inspired by his older brothers, who frequently contributed to various literary journals, and the poet Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri, who was his senior in high school.
Initially, MT focused on poetry but soon transitioned to prose writing.
Acknowledged with the Padma Bhushan, MT was a towering personality in both Malayalam literature and cinema.
His works have left a permanent impact on both realms, solidifying his status as one of the most renowned writers in the Malayalam language.
MT's screenplays, now available in book format, are considered crucial resources for budding filmmakers.
Over the years, he received various prestigious recognitions, 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 awarded the J.C. Daniel Award for his lifetime contributions to Malayalam cinema.
In 2022, he received the first-ever Kerala Jyothi Award, the highest civilian honor from the Kerala government.
He was honored with the Jnanpith Award in 1995, recognizing his exceptional literary contributions.
MT's literary works continue to resonate, offering deep insights into life's intricacies and human emotions.
A literary titan and visionary in cinema, his demise signifies the conclusion of an era.
Nevertheless, his legacy will eternally be remembered by countless fans and preserved in the history of Malayalam literature and cinema.
The Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, expressed heartfelt condolences on MT’s passing. The state government has declared two days of official mourning on December 26 and 27.
