Legendary Malayalam writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair, popularly known as MT, passed away on the night of December 25th. He was 91. He had been undergoing treatment in hospital for age-related ailments. He is survived by his wife, Kalamandalam Saraswati, and his daughter, dancer Ashwati Nair.
MT’s life was nothing short of a long journey through letters. His first book, a collection of short stories, was published during his college days. He rose to fame when he won first prize in a short story competition organised by the New York Herald Tribune. This marked the beginning of a long and illustrious literary career. He authored hundreds of short stories, nearly a hundred novels, and 53 film scripts. He also directed several films. Whatever he touched turned to gold.
It is almost impossible to define MT in one role—was he a short story writer, novelist, journalist, scriptwriter, or filmmaker? His most famous novels include Manju, Iruttinte Athmavu, Nalukettu, Asuravithu, Randamoozham, and Kalam. Manju has been translated into several languages, including English. Numerous Malayalam films have been adapted from MT’s stories and novels.
MT served as the editor of Mathrubhumi weekly for many years. At the time, the magazine was one of the most sought-after Malayalam weeklies.
MT was honoured with numerous accolades during his long literary journey, including the Jnanpith Award and the Padma Bhushan. Below is a condensed list of the awards he received:
2005: Padma Bhushan
1995: Jnanpith Award
1992: National Film Award for Best Malayalam Film
1974: National Film Award for Best Film (Nirmalyam, which also brought Kerala its first ‘Best Actor’ award, won by P.J. Antony).
2014: J.C. Daniel Award (for his overall contribution to Malayalam cinema).
1973, 2000: Kerala State Film Award for Best Director
1985, 1994: Kerala State Film Award for Best Story
2004, 2017: Asianet Film Award for Lifetime Achievement
1992, 1993, 1995: National Film Award for Best Screenplay
1973, 1978, 1991: Kerala State Film Award for Best Film
1988, 1994, 2010: Kerala State Film Award for Best Screenplay
2001: National Film Award for Best Film on Environment
Sahitya Akademi Award for Malayalam Literature
A galaxy of luminaries from the realms of politics, culture, and literature expressed their condolences to the bereaved family. Among them were President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister George Kurien, Goa Governor Adv. P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, Kerala Governor Dr. Arif Mohammed Khan, former Union Minister V. Muraleedharan, world-renowned filmmakers Adoor Gopalakrishnan and Shaji N. Karun, and Malayalam superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal.
MT’s passing marks the loss of a writer who profoundly influenced generations of readers and filmgoers.
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