Renowned writer, Jnanpith and Padma Bhushan awardee MT Vasudevan Nair passed away at a private hospital in Kozhikode, Kerala, on Wednesday at the age of 91.
Widely regarded as one of Malayalam literature’s greatest writers, MT Vasudevan Nair, affectionately known as MT, excelled in novels, screenplays, essays, short stories, travelogues, and film direction.
In the wake of his passing, the Kerala government declared official mourning on December 26 and 27 to honor his legacy. As per a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), all government events, including the Cabinet meeting scheduled for December 26, have been postponed as a mark of respect.
Born in 1933 in Kudallur, a village in the Anakkara panchayat of Pattambi Taluk, Palakkad district, MT achieved literary fame early in life. At 20, while studying chemistry, he won the top prize for the best short story in Malayalam at the World Short Story Competition conducted by The New York Herald Tribune.
His first major novel, Naalukettu (Ancestral Home), translated into English as The Legacy, was published when he was 23 and won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1958. Among his other acclaimed novels are Manju (Mist), Kaalam (Time), Asuravithu (The Prodigal Son, translated as The Demon Seed), and Randamoozham (The Second Turn, translated as Bhima – Lone Warrior).
Many of MT’s works drew inspiration from his early emotional experiences, with a recurring focus on Kerala’s traditional family structure and culture. His novels Naalukettu, Asuravithu, and Kaalam, often regarded as his finest, explored life within Kerala’s matriarchal families. His masterpiece, Randamoozham, is a retelling of the Mahabharata from Bhima’s perspective.
MT also left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. He directed seven films and wrote screenplays for around 54. He won the National Film Award for Best Screenplay a record four times for Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989), Kadavu (1991), Sadayam (1992), and Parinayam (1994).
In 1995, MT was honored with the Jnanpith Award for his immense contribution to Malayalam literature. A decade later, in 2005, he received the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award. Among his other accolades are the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award, Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, Vayalar Award, Vallathol Award, Ezhuthachan Award, Mathrubhumi Literary Award, and ONV Literary Award.
In 2013, he was bestowed with the JC Daniel Award for lifetime achievement in Malayalam cinema, and in 2022, he received the inaugural Kerala Jyothi Award, the state’s highest civilian honor.
MT also served as the editor of Mathrubhumi Illustrated Weekly for several years, further solidifying his influence on Malayalam literature and journalism. His profound contributions continue to resonate, leaving behind a legacy cherished by generations.
