MT Vasudevan Nair, legendary Malayalam writer-director, dies at 91

MT Vasudevan Nair, a Padma Bhushan and Jnanpith awardee, was celebrated for his deeply emotive works and vivid depictions of Kerala's culture, using literature as a unifying force for minds and hearts.

In Short

• MT was the tallest figure in modern Malayalam literature
• Won Padma Bhushan, Jnanpith among many awards for his literary contributions
• Directed six films, winning multiple National and State Awards

MT Vasudevan Nair, a legendary stalwart of Malayalam literature, died on Wednesday at the age of 91, while undergoing treatment after suffering a cardiac arrest earlier this month.

Popularly called MT, the master of novels, short stories, screenplays, children's literature, travel writing, and essays, was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the country's third-highest civilian award, and the Jnanpith, the highest literary recognition. He was also a recipient of the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award, the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, among others.

Naalukettu, Randamoozham, Manju, Kaalam, Asuravithu, and Iruttinte Athmavu are regarded as masterpieces of his literary works, celebrated for their deep emotional resonance and vivid portrayal of Kerala's culture and traditions.

He directed six films, including the evocative Nirmalyam, a timeless classic in Malayalam cinema, along with two documentaries. His screenplays have earned four National Awards and 11 State Awards. Additionally, MT has been named Kerala’s Best Film Director three times.

Condolences poured in from all quarters, as people commemorated MT's unparalleled literary brilliance.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the death was "an irreplaceable loss" for the state, as well as Malayalam literature in particular. The Kerala government will observe two days of official mourning on December 26 and 27 to honour him.

"MT always upheld a truly secular mindset. Many of his characters embodied a spirit of humanity that transcended religious boundaries, treating people of other faiths as their own family. He harnessed literature as a powerful tool to unify minds and hearts. Through his life and works, MT set forth an extraordinary cultural example for society," Vijayan remembered MT.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi called him a "genius who transformed literature and cinema into powerful mediums of cultural expression".

"His narratives captured the depth of human emotions and the essence of Kerala’s heritage. A true custodian of our art and literature, his loss is deeply felt by the entire nation," Gandhi said.

MT served as the editor of periodicals and later as the Chief Editor of the Mathrubhumi Illustrated Weekly, retiring in 1998 after more than four decades of service.