Legendary writer MT Vasudevan Nair dies at 91
M.T. Vasudevan Nair, widely regarded as one of the most iconic writers and filmmakers in India, has breathed his last on Wednesday.
Renowned Malayalam writer, screenwriter, and filmmaker MT Vasudevan Nair, popularly known as MT, was 91.
A towering figure in Indian literature and cinema, MT leaves behind a legacy spanning seven decades, marked by timeless works that explored the depth of human relationships and the ethos of Kerala’s cultural landscape.
Born on July 15, 1933, in Kudallur, a village in Palakkad district, MT began his literary journey at a young age. At the age of 20, as a chemistry undergraduate, he won the prize for the best short story in Malayalam at World Short Story Competition conducted by The New York Herald Tribune.
His magnum opus, Naalukettu (The Legacy), published in 1958, heralded a new era in Malayalam literature. The semi-autobiographical novel vividly captured the disintegration of the traditional joint family system, resonating with readers and critics alike.
MT’s contribution to cinema is equally profound. He wrote screenplays for over 50 films and directed several critically acclaimed works, including Nirmalyam, which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in 1973. His screenwriting prowess transformed Malayalam cinema, blending literary depth with cinematic excellence.
Recipient of the Jnanpith Award in 1995, India’s highest literary honor, MT also won several National Film Awards and Kerala State Awards. In 2005, India's third highest civilian honour Padma Bhushan was awarded to him. On 2 June 1996, he was bestowed with honorary D.Lit degree by the Calicut University.
His other notable works include Manju (Mist), Randamoozham (Second Turn), and Kaalam (Time).
MT’s mastery over storytelling extended beyond the written word, with his screen adaptations of Randamoozham and other literary works drawing global attention. A scholar of classical and contemporary literature, he enriched Malayalam with translations, essays, and critiques.
He was versatile in journalism too. MT joined the Mathrubhumi Group of Publications in 1956. When he retired from there in 1998, he was their editor of periodicals and Chief Editor of Mathrubhumi Illustrated Weekly.
MT’s passing marks the end of an era. The literary world mourns the loss of a visionary whose words will continue to inspire generations.
MT had been married twice. He married writer and translator Prameela in 1965. They separated after 11 years of marriage. He had a daughter from this marriage, Sithara, who works as a business executive in the United States. In 1977 he married dance artist Kalamandalam Saraswathy with whom he had a daughter, dancer Aswathy Nair. MT resided in Sithara, Kottaram Road, Kozhikode, named after his eldest daughter.
