MT Vasudevan Nair, born in a village called Kudallur near Ponnani, distinguished himself as a writer of remarkable skill from an early age. He was only 29 years old when he wrote asuravithuWhich has been praised by some, including critic M. Leelavathy, as the best novel in Malayalam. Illustration: Satish Velenezhi
MT Vasudevan Nair, one of India’s greatest writers of all time, passed away on Wednesday (December 25, 2024) at a private hospital in Kozhikode. He was 91 years old.
He was also an extraordinary screenwriter who revolutionized the art of screenwriting in Malayalam cinema and wrote several landmark films. Some of those films were directed by MT himself. His first film as a director, NirmalyamIn fact, it won the National Award for Best Film in 1974. He was not very keen on directing films, and was happier writing fiction.
When it comes to fiction, it is difficult to imagine a writer who is more loved by Malayali readers. like his novels Randomoozham, Asuravithu, Manju, Kalam And nalukettuIt continues to be printed decades after it was first published. He also wrote many unforgettable short stories. The plots and characters of those novels and short stories have become a part of the cultural life of Malayalees.
MT, who was born in a village called Kudallur near Ponnani, distinguished himself as a writer of remarkable skill from an early age. He was only 29 years old when he wrote asuravithuWhich has been praised by some, including critic M. Leelavathy, as the best novel in Malayalam.
Many of his works were translated into English. In fact, he was one of India’s most translated regional language writers. He was honored with Jnanpith in 1995.
MT was truly multidimensional. He was also a journalist who later became the editor of Mathrubhumi magazine. As an editor, he guided many young writers.
MT was a prolific screenwriter, although initially reluctant. He started his career in films with the scripts of Murappennu. The 1965 film was directed by A. Vincent did it.
He became a much sought-after screenwriter and wrote classics like Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha, Amritham Gamaya, Panchagni, Parinayam, Aksharangal, Alakuttathil Thaniye and Thazhavaram. His last major theatrical release was Pazhassi Raja in 2013.
MT Vasudevan Nair (1933-2024): A life in pictures
Writer MTVSudevan Nair looking at the photograph displayed as part of “MT- Chitram, Charitram”, a photo exhibition about him at the Lalitkala Academy Art Gallery in Kozhikode in 2015.
MT Vasudevan Nair with his daughter Ashwathy on the banks of Chaliyar river at Kadavu resort. Photo: Special Arrangement
Filmmaker Sudhir Ambalappad with MT Vasudevan Nair. Ambalappad was the producer of the Malayalam anthology Manorathangal, nine episodes of which are based on the stories of MT.
Former President APJ Abdul Kalam presenting the Padma Bhushan award to MT Vasudevan Nair at the investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on March 28, 2005.
Kendra Sahitya Akademi President Gopichand Narang, Abdul Samad Samdani and MTVSudevan Nair sharing a light moment during the Thuchan Mahotsav in Tirur, Malappuram. file.
Actor Mammootty with MTV’s Vasudevan Nair at the Mullassery Raju Awards ceremony.
Jnanpith Award winner, Shri MT Vasudevan Nair with the winners of The Hindu Young World’s on-the-spot painting competitions after the awards ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram. file.
MTVSudevan Nair inaugurating the National Painters Camp in Kozhikode. file.
MT Vasudevan Nair introducing a small child to the world of letters on Vidyarambhoma day at Thunchanaparambu in Tirur in Malappuram district. file.
Noted Malayalam writer MT Vasudevan Nair looking at recent paintings by illustrator Namboodiri at the Orthic Creative Center in 2008. CN Karunakaran, president of Kerala Lalit Kala Academy, is also seen.
Japanese actor Tadanobu Asano accompanied writer MT Vasudevan Nair when he visited the writer’s house in Kozhikode. file.
MT Vasudevan Nair in Kochi on 3 September 2004.
Singer Sreevalsan J during the shooting of his music video album at Ramamangalam near Kochi. Menon, with MT Vasudevan Nair and artist Namboodiri. file. picture:
Writer MT Vasudevan Nair casts his vote using the home voting option in Kozhikode Lok Sabha constituency. file.
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A few months ago, a compilation of films came out ManorathangalBased on his short stories, was released on OTT. That work was his last work for the screen.
MT supported modernism: Governor
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan condoled MT’s demise and remembered him as a versatile genius who influenced Malayalam and Indian literature, film, theater and journalism. Mr Khan said MT supported modernism in his works.
published – December 25, 2024 10:28 pm IST
