Tributes pour in for MT: Legendary Malayalam writer created timeless classics

Kozhikode (Kerala): Noted writer and Jnanpith award winner MT Vasudevan Nair, who died here on Wednesday evening, is known for elevating the art of Malayalam storytelling to a profound level through his works.

Tributes poured in after news of his death spread. Among the first to post a condolence message was Congress MP from Wayanad, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who said the legend's "legacy will live on in every story he told and every heart he touched."

AICC general secretary K C Venugopal posted a picture of him with the literary giant, writing, "the literary and cinematic world dims today with the passing of MT Vasudevan Nair. A legend in Malayalam literature and cinema, MT’s works resonated deeply with the cultural fabric of Malayali life, weaving human emotions and societal dilemmas into unforgettable narratives," adding that his death felt "deeply personal to many of us who grew up with his words and vision." He ended his tribute with, "Rest in peace, MT. Your legacy will live on forever."

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan also posted a picture of himself conversing with the Jnanpith award winner. He wrote: "With MT Vasudevan Nair’s passing, we’ve lost a doyen of Malayalam literature who elevated our language to global heights. A true cultural icon, he captured the soul of Kerala through his timeless works. His steadfast commitment to secularism and humanity leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations. Heartfelt condolences to his family and the cultural community."

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan in his condolence message that MT's death would be a profound loss for both Malayalam and Indian literature. "MT was a multifaceted genius who enriched literature, cinema, and journalism, authored some of the finest works in Malayalam literature," he said.

The 91-year-old writer had been hospitalised in critical condition with a diagnosis of heart failure.

He was suffering several health issues including resipratory ailments for a while, according to the literary sources.

M T Vasudevan Nair, popularly known as M T, is a celebrated writer, screenwriter, and filmmaker, renowned for his profound contributions to Malayalam literature and cinema.

Born in 1933 in Kudallur, a quaint village in Palakkad district, Kerala, M T, through more than seven decades of writing created a literary world that appealed equally to both ordinary people and intellectuals.

At the time, Kudallur was part of the Malabar district under the Madras Presidency of British India.

He was the youngest of four children born to T Narayanan Nair and Ammalu Amma.

His father worked in Ceylon, while M T spent his early years in Kudallur and at his paternal home in Punnayurkulam, a village in present-day Thrissur district.

M T's early life and surroundings deeply influenced his literary sensibilities.

He completed his schooling at Malamakkavu Elementary School and Kumaranelloor High School and graduated with a degree in chemistry from Victoria College, Palakkad, in 1953.

His professional journey began as a teacher and gramasevakan at a block development office in Taliparamba, Kannur, before he joined Mathrubhumi Weekly as a sub-editor in 1957.

Over the course of seven decades, he has authored nine novels, 19 collections of short stories, directed six films, around 54 screenplays and several collections of essays and memoirs.

M T is celebrated for his evocative storytelling, exploring human emotions and the complexities of rural life.

His novel Naalukettu (The Ancestral House) established him as a literary icon and is considered a classic in Malayalam literature.

Over the years, he authored several acclaimed works, including Asuravithu, Manju, and Kaalam, which earned him the Jnanpith Award in 1995, India’s highest literary honour.

At the age of 25, he won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award for his second novel, Naalukettu (1959), and a decade later, Kaalam, his fifth novel, earned him the Kendra Sahitya Akademi award.

M T made significant contributions to Malayalam cinema as a screenwriter and director.

He has directed seven films and written the screenplay for approximately 54 films.

His films, including 'Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha' and 'Kadavu', are regarded as masterpieces, showcasing his ability to merge compelling narratives with visual storytelling.

M T holds the distinction of winning the National Film Award for Best Screenplay a record four times, for 'Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha' (1989), 'Kadavu' (1991), 'Sadayam' (1992), and 'Parinayam' (1994), the most by any individual in Malayalam in this category.

M T has been married twice.

In 1965, he married writer and translator Prameela, but the couple separated after 11 years of marriage.

They have a daughter, Sithara, who works in the United States.

In 1977, he married Kalamandalam Saraswathy, a noted dance artist. They have a daughter, Aswathy Nair, who is a professional dancer.

His residence on Kottaram Road in Kozhikode is named after his elder daughter, Sithara.

(With Web Desk inputs)