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Jnanpith laureate and legendary writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair, has passed away.
Jnanpith laureate and legendary writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair, a towering figure in Malayalam literature and cinema, passed away on Wednesday while undergoing treatment for age-related ailments at a private hospital in Kozhikode. Fondly known as MT, he leaves behind an extraordinary legacy spanning literature, cinema and cultural thought.
The writer was in the hospital for 11 days after suffering a cardiac arrest. On Tuesday, doctors said he was off ventilator support, but his condition became very critical on Wednesday night.
Born on July 15, 1933, in Kudallur, Ponnani Taluk, MT’s early life was marked by poverty and challenges, experiences that deeply influenced his writing. After earning a degree in Chemistry from Victoria College, Palakkad, in 1953, he briefly worked as a teacher before beginning his career as a sub-editor at Mathrubhumi in 1957.
MT’s literary journey began in his school days, gaining momentum during his college years with the publication of his first short story, Raktam Puranda Mantharikal (Blood-Stained Soil). His debut novel, Naalukettu (The Legacy), published in 1958, earned him the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award and established him as a literary force. Over the decades, he penned timeless works such as Kaalam, Asuravithu, Randamoozham (The Second Turn) and many other short stories, earning a place among India’s literary greats. His Randamoozham, a reimagining of the Mahabharata through Bhima’s perspective, remains a landmark in Indian literature.
In cinema, MT redefined storytelling with his screenwriting debut for Murappennu, followed by a directorial career with films like Nirmalyam (which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film), Bandhanam and Kadav.
Throughout his illustrious career, MT received many accolades, including the Jnanpith Award (1995), Padma Bhushan (2005), Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, and multiple honorary doctorates. A rare genius whose contributions bridged literature and cinema, MT Vasudevan Nair’s legacy will continue to inspire generations.
A few months ago, an anthology of films called Manorathangal, based on his short stories, was released on OTT. It was his last work for the screen.
- Location :
Kozhikode, India
