Kozhikode: Renowned Malayalam literary figure and Jnanpith awardee M.T. Vasudevan Nair passed away on Wednesday at a private hospital in Kozhikode, where he was undergoing treatment for age-related ailments. Fondly known as MT, he was a towering personality whose profound contributions to literature and cinema made him a beloved figure across generations. His passing marks the end of an era in Malayalam arts and culture.

Born on July 15, 1933, in Kudallur, Ponnani Taluk, MT’s childhood, marked by poverty, profoundly shaped his literary voice. His early works, including the iconic novel Naalukettu (1958), which won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, vividly depicted the emotional and social struggles of Nair households. Over the decades, he enriched Malayalam literature with masterpieces like Kaalam, Asuravithu, and Randamoozham—a reimagining of the Mahabharata through Bhima's perspective, cementing his place as one of India’s greatest writers.

MT was equally revered in the world of cinema, where his screenplays and directorial ventures seamlessly merged literary depth with visual storytelling. His debut directorial work, Nirmalyam (1973), earned the National Film Award for Best Feature Film. Over a career spanning five decades, he wrote and directed celebrated films like Bandhanam, Kadav, and Oru Cheru Punchiri, leaving an indelible mark on Malayalam cinema. 

Honored with accolades like the Padma Bhushan (2005), Jnanpith Award (1995), and numerous state and national awards, MT’s legacy transcends generations. His works, which capture the essence of human emotions and life’s complexities, continue to inspire and resonate. Though he is no longer with us, MT Vasudevan Nair’s contributions to literature and cinema ensure his memory will live on forever.