Kerala bids emotional farewell to celebrated writer: Condolences pour in for M T Vasudevan Nair

Expressing sadness, Modi said Nair was one of the most respected figures in Malayalam cinema and literature.

New Delhi: Tributes poured in for M T Vasudevan Nair, who breathed his last in Kozhikode, as Kerala bid an emotional farewell to the revered writer on December 26.

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed him as  one of the most respected figures in Malayalam cinema and literature, President Droupadi Murmu said that the world of Malayalam literature became poorer with Nair's death.

"His works, with their profound exploration of human emotions, have shaped generations and will continue to inspire many more. He also gave voice to the silent and marginalised. My thoughts are with his family and admirers," Modi said in his condolence message.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that Nair's passing left an irreplaceable void in literature and cinema. "His masterful stories, deeply rooted in Kerala's cultural heritage and human emotions, touched countless lives across generations," he said. 

The who's who of Malayalam cinema and socio-political-cultural and literary circles were among the thousands who offered last respects to the Jnanpith laureate at his residence in Kozhikode.

MT, as he is popularly known, was against the public gathering or funeral processions to pay last respects to him. But his home and funeral witnessed a large number of people turning up who loved and respected him. The funeral was performed with state honours in Kozhikode.

Doyens of Malayalam film Mohanlal and Mammootty were emotional while paying their tributes to MT. "I was really fortunate to have played many memorable characters envisaged by MT. He was a fatherly figure for me," said Mohanlal.

Mammootty said in a social media post that the most valuable fortune he received as an actor was a place in M T's heart.

Actor Kamal Hassan recollected his friendship with M T over the last fifty years after he was introduced to Malayalam film through Kanyakumari written by MT.

Many writers too turned emotional while condoling the death of M T.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and most of his cabinet colleagues and leaders of all political parties also paid last respects to M T who died on Wednesday night at the age of 91.