MT Vasudevan Nair: A complete coverage on his life and times

MT Vasudevan Nair. file | Photo courtesy: S. Manisha

MT Vasudevan Nair, one of India’s greatest writers of all time, passed away at a private hospital in Kozhikode, Kerala on December 25, 2024. He was 91 years old.

Popularly known as MT, he was born in a village called Kudallur near Ponnani and distinguished himself as a writer with remarkable skills 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.

MT got his first break in literature when ValarthumrigangalOne of his short stories written on the background of circus during his college days won the first prize in a competition organized there. New York Herald Tribune, Mathrubhumi, And Hindustan Times,

Many of his works were translated into English. MT was awarded the Jnanpith Award in 1995, the Ezhuthachan Award of the Government of Kerala in 2011 and the Padma Bhushan in 2005. Calicut University and Mahatma Gandhi University have awarded him the degree of Doctor of Letters.

In 1970, Kalam Won the Sahitya Akademi Award for Best Novel. Gopurandayil Won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Drama in 1982, and Swargam Thurakkunna SanyamFor Best Short Story in 1986. RandomoozhamThe mythological novel revolving around Bheema won the Vayalar Award in 1985.

MT Vasudevan Nair’s works reflected the socio-political changes and renaissance of Kerala.

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 script of MurappennuThe 1965 film was directed by A. Vincent did it.

He became a much sought-after screenwriter and wrote classics such as oru vadakkan heroic story, Amritam Gamay, panchagni, outcome, Aksharangal, aalkuttathil thaniye And ThajvaramHis last major theatrical release was Pazhassi Rajain 2013.

This is a compilation of The Hindu’s coverage on MT Vasudevan Nair.