MT Vasudevan Nair File | Photo Courtesy: S Manisha
MT Vasudevan Nair, one of India’s greatest writers of all time, passed away on December 25, 2024 at a private hospital in Kozhikode, Kerala. He was 91 years old.
Born in a village called Cudalur near Ponnani, MT made his mark as a writer of remarkable skill from an early age. He was 29 years old when he wrote it AsuravithuThe critic M. Lilavati has been hailed by some as the best novel in Malayalam.
When did MT’s first break in literature occur? ValarthumrigangalOne of his short stories written during college, set against the background of circus, won the first prize in a competition organized by him. New York Herald Tribune, Motherland, and Hindustan Times.
Many of his works have been translated into English. MT was awarded the Jnanpith Award in 1995, the Ejuthachan Award of the Government of Kerala in 2011 and the Padma Bhushan in 2005. The University of Calicut and the Mahatma Gandhi University awarded him Doctor of Letters degrees.
In 1970, Kalam Won the Sahitya Akademi Award for Best Novel. Gopuranadayil Won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Drama in 1982, and Swargam thurakunna samayamFor best short story in 1986. RandamuzhamThe mythological novel revolving around Bhima won the Vaylar Award in 1985.
MT Vasudevan Nair’s works reflect the socio-political changes and renaissance that Kerala went through.
MT was really versatile. He was also a journalist turned editor of Matrubhoomi magazine. As an editor, he mentored many young writers.
MT was an admirable screenwriter, albeit a reluctant one, to begin with. He started his career in movies from scripts Murappenu. The 1965 film A. was directed by Vincent.
He became an over-the-top scriptwriter and wrote classics like this Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha, Amritam Gamaya, Panchagni, result, Aksharangal, Take the potatoes and Thajwaram. was his last major theatrical release Pajahassi KingIn 2013.
This is a compilation of The Hindu’s coverage on MT Vasudevan Nair.
published – Dec 26, 2024 at 10:07 am IST