Kozhikode (Kerala) [India]: MT Vasudevan Nair, the celebrated Malayalam writer, Jnanpith awardee, and Padma Bhushan recipient, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 91 in a private hospital in Kozhikode, Kerala.
Known affectionately as MT, Vasudevan Nair was regarded as a literary giant whose works transformed Malayalam literature and cinema. The Kerala government declared official mourning on December 26 and 27 to honor his legacy, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also postponed all government events, including a Cabinet meeting, as a mark of respect.
Born in 1933 in Kudallur, a village in Palakkad district, MT gained early recognition at the age of 20 by winning the best short story prize at the World Short Story Competition conducted by The New York Herald Tribune.
MT’s literary debut came with his groundbreaking novel Naalukettu (Ancestral Home), which won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1958. His other notable works include Manju (Mist), Kaalam (Time), Asuravithu (The Demon Seed), and Randamoozham (Bhima – Lone Warrior), a retelling of the Mahabharata from Bhima’s perspective. Randamoozham is widely regarded as his masterpiece.
MT’s novels often explored Kerala’s traditional family structures, vividly capturing the emotions and complexities of life in matriarchal societies. His works remain timeless, profoundly influencing Malayalam literature.
In addition to literature, MT was a stalwart in Malayalam cinema, directing seven films and penning screenplays for 54 films. He won the National Film Award for Best Screenplay four times, for Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989), Kadavu (1991), Sadayam (1992), and Parinayam (1994), a record in the category.
Among his numerous accolades, MT received the Jnanpith Award in 1995 for his contributions to Malayalam literature. He was also honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2005 and awards such as the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award, Vayalar Award, Vallathol Award, and the ONV Literary Award.
In 2013, he was presented the JC Daniel Award for lifetime achievement in Malayalam cinema. More recently, in 2022, MT received the Kerala Jyothi Award, the highest civilian honor given by the Kerala government.
MT also served as the editor of Mathrubhumi Illustrated Weekly, leaving an indelible mark on Malayalam journalism.
His demise marks the end of an era in Malayalam literature and cinema, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.