The Lens of the Soul: A Tribute to Visionary Writer MT Vasudevan Nair

I still remember meeting the then editor MT Vasudevan Nair for the first time in 1990. homeland Magazines in his office during my college days. He was reading a book when I entered his room. He slowly raised his head, and his eyes scanned mine, a special observation that I call ‘MT special’ (as in searching for the real and true). MT was widely known as a man of few words, but his gaze spoke volumes.

As a budding photographer and artist, I had always admired his work, the way he weaved stories like moving scenes with real-life characters. Showing him some of my pictures, he chose one for the cover page of Mathrubhumi Weekly. It was a big dream for every creative person – writers, photographers and illustration artists – to exhibit their work in Mathrubhoomi Weekly.

When I revealed my ‘hidden agenda’, he advised me to study at FTII Pune and immediately wrote a reference letter to the then director Saji N Karun. Three years after joining FTII, I came back to MT Sir and requested for the photographer job. homeland. His immediate answer was not to travel in two boats to the same destination. If I enter cinema, he advises me not to try journalism, as both require deep involvement.

I asked to get a job. My main aim was to work on a legend for a few years before coming to films. Although he did not say anything at that time, two months later I was appointed as the first photographer of the magazine. Later, he learned that the managing director, Virendra Kumar, had requested me to be his photographer.

It was a great experience working under MT sir. While I was working there, he was awarded the Jnanpeeth and I had the opportunity to visit his native village of Kudallur in Palakkad district with him. He introduced me to everyone as “my photographer”. Once, I got a chance to do a solo photoshoot with the great communist leader EMS Nambudiripad while visiting Kozhikode.

I exposed three rolls of color film, because I found a quiet and beautiful place without any disturbance. Like for a magazine homelandThree rolls of film exposed by a beginner was considered lavish and expensive. I was asked to explain to the chief photographer why I did so. The matter reached MT Sir. He called me into his room and told me a story: “A monkey took a typewriter and started playing with it, pretending to type. After several tries, it made out a word. ” It was difficult to control my laughter, but MT sir advised me how to capture a decisive moment and make a photograph a rare piece.

Photographic memory

Later, he was convinced by the photos of EMS that I had taken and complimented me saying “very nice photos”. All those photos of EMS were used many times in Matrubhoomi publications. Working under MT Sir for two years was like gaining 20 years of experience. He had an encyclopedic knowledge and a photographic memory that seemed to store every image he saw.

He would often talk to me about the masters, their craft and how they work. To me, he was a mentor, a mentor, a mentor and more than that – like a father. What struck me most about him was his love for photographers, children and the environment. He didn’t wear it on his sleeve, but it was there, hidden beneath the surface.

He had a unique way of seeing the world that we cannot find in others. He was selective about the company he kept, and I felt honored to be among the few people he chose to let into his inner circle. He neither suffered fools gladly nor had patience for pretense. But if he finds you worthy, he’ll open up, and you’ll be rewarded with a glimpse into his remarkable mind.

After several years, I quit homeland And worked in various organizations. It was my dream to have a creative studio space in Chennai, and MT sir blessed it. When I expressed my desire to MT sir, he immediately agreed to go to my house in Chennai. It was like a dream come true, my guru had blessed my place.

In 2019, when he arrived at the Chennai airport, I was waiting outside to welcome him. After seeing me from a distance, he raised his hand and wished me luck, he kept his hand raised until he reached me. It was a heartwarming experience with MT sir. I had never met him before, and he gave an unforgettable speech in my studio gallery, recalling our first meeting 30 years ago.

MT sir released my visual document of 20 years Eyes on the Marsh At Pallikaranai Swamp, one of India’s largest swamps, which is disappearing due to urbanisation, handing over the book to renowned journalist and President of Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Mr. Shashi Kumar, in the presence of renowned critic and photographer Sadanand Menon and renowned author. Artist Achuthan Cuddalore.

As a photographer, I got to work with him on many projects. Each time, I was impressed by his attention to detail, passion for storytelling, and unwavering commitment to his craft. He was a true visionary, a guru.