Vijayan and Others Honor Kerala’s Literary Icon MT; State Enacts Two-Day Mourning

Kozhikode, Dec 26 (NationPress) Kerala is in mourning for its literary icon, MT Vasudevan Nair, who departed this world at a private hospital on Wednesday evening. In honor of his memory, the state government has instituted a two-day mourning period, resulting in the cancellation of all official activities on Thursday and Friday.

The 91-year-old Jnanpith awardee and esteemed author had been struggling for his life for the last ten days after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Once his body was returned to his residence in Kozhikode, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, along with a continuous stream of political figures and notable personalities, including film star Mohanlal, came to pay their respects.

“His absence creates an irreparable void in the Malayalam language, which he elevated to extraordinary heights,” remarked Vijayan.

Known affectionately as MT, Vasudevan Nair was an acclaimed novelist, screenwriter, and filmmaker, whose influence on Malayalam literature and cinema remains unparalleled.

Film superstar Mammootty, mourning his mentor's passing, expressed on social media, “Some claim I was MT’s discovery. From our first meeting, our relationship deepened into a brotherly bond. Just recently, he leaned against me, and for a fleeting moment, I felt like his son. The most significant achievement of my film career is the place I secured in his heart.”

MT Vasudevan Nair, a Padma Bhushan awardee, enjoyed a remarkable tenure in Malayalam cinema, directing seven films and writing screenplays for approximately 54 films. His screenplays, now published as books, serve as invaluable resources for aspiring filmmakers.

In the field of literature, MT achieved every significant accolade a Malayalam writer could aspire to. He penned nine novels, 19 short story collections, and numerous essays and memoirs. His legendary works are a treasure trove of Malayalam literature.

Born in 1933 in Kudallur, Palakkad district, MT’s career began as a teacher and a gramasevakan at a block development office in Taliparamba, Kannur. He subsequently transitioned to journalism, joining Mathrubhumi Weekly as a sub-editor in 1957, and briefly served as its editor.

This literary luminary was also a crucial player in Malayalam cinema, forming a legendary trio alongside director Hariharan and actor Mammootty.

Despite his public prominence, MT adhered to his values, having requested that his body not be displayed publicly. Respecting his wishes, his final rites will occur at a nearby crematorium on Thursday evening.

MT was married twice; first to Prameela, with whom he had a daughter, and later to Kalamandalam Saraswathy, a celebrated danseuse, with whom he also had a daughter.

Condolences have been flowing in from various segments of society, lamenting the loss of a legend whose legacy will live on for generations.