Born on 15 July 1933 at Kudallur, Pattambi in Palakkad, MT Vasudevan Nair (MT), was a multifaceted talent.
Published Dec 26, 2024 | 10:03 AM ⚊ Updated Dec 26, 2024 | 10:03 AM
MT Vasudevan Nair
Kerala paid tributes to the deceased author and the most celebrated figure in modern Malayalam literature, MT Vasudevan Nair, at his home in Kozhikode’s Kottaram Road. He passed away at night on Wednesday, 25 December.
Sources indicated that he will be laid to rest at the cemetery in Mavoor Road in Kozhikode at 5 pm on Thursday.
He was undergoing treatment for age-related health issues at a private hospital in Kozhikode.
Born on 15 July 1933 at Kudallur, Pattambi in Palakkad, MT, as he was fondly known, was a multifaceted talent. He left an indelible mark as a novelist, screenplay writer, and filmmaker.
Following his demise, people from all wakes of life recollected their memories with him.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said MT was the one who took Malayalam literature to the pinnacle of world literature.
In a post on Facebook in Malayalam, the chief minister said, “It is an irreparable loss for Kerala in general and the Malayalam literary world in particular.”
“MT Vasudevan Nair was a personality who was full of writing and artistic and cultural activities as a short story writer, novelist, screenwriter, film director, newspaper editor, and cultural hero. He conveyed the beauty and complexity of Kerala life through his writings. He rose to the horizons of the world while being rooted in the culture of the Valluvanadan native life. Thus, M. T. marked the individual psyche of Malayalis to the entire community psyche of Kerala through his writings,” he added.
In a heartfelt note, actor Mammootty remembered the author as a “brother” and said his greatest fortune in life was having a place in MT’s heart.
“Some people say that MT discovered Mammootty. I was the one who wanted to see him, prayed for him, and found him. That relationship grew from the day I met him. It multiplied like a friend, like a brother. Four or five months ago, during a program in Ernakulam, I stumbled and leaned on his chest, unable to hold him. I felt like I was that man’s son,” Mammootty said.
“I have found a place in that heart. The greatest fortune I have received in my film career. I have portrayed many characters with a touch of his soul. I don’t remember any of them now. An era is fading away. My mind feels empty. I spread both my hands,” he added.
Actor Mohanlal said his mind became as lonely as the rain following the demise of MT.
“From the books I read with avidity, from the scripts I read over and over again after acting, from the characters that remained in my heart even after leaving the stage, my MT sir is gone. MT sir, who gave me the peace and love that no one else could give me when I held him, has returned…” Mohanlal said.
“I can’t even say who MT sir was to me. Even if I say he was everything, it would be less. Like Rasheed in Panchagni, like Satyanathan in Sadayam, is there any greater happiness than being able to give life to those legendary characters created in my mind? Is there any greater satisfaction than having the audience’s eyes fill with tears when I read and acted the lines? How can I pay tribute to my beloved MT Sir, a multi-faceted genius who placed Malayalam’s pride on the Gnanapeeth?” he added.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said the rich literary legacy and wisdom of MT will continue to inspire.
“MT Vasudevan Nair ji’s passing leaves 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. While we mourn his loss, his rich literary legacy and wisdom will continue to inspire. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and admirers,” he added.
Malayalam actor and Union Minister Suresh Gopi also paid tribute to MT.
