Kozhikode: Jnanpith M T Vasudevan Nair, an unparalleled literary genius who shaped the landscape of Malayalam literature, has passed away on Wednesday. He was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kozhikode for age-related ailments.

MT, as he was fondly called, was a rare personality who made extraordinary contributions across various fields. A beloved figure across generations, he was an exceptional talent who commanded equal measures of love, admiration and respect. 

Born on July 15, 1933, in Kudallur of Ponnani Taluk, MT was the youngest of four sons born to T Narayanan Nair and Ammalu Amma. His childhood, as reflected in many of his semi-autobiographical works, was marked by poverty and hardships. He began his education at Malamakavu Elementary School and continued at Kumaranellur High School, eventually earning a degree in Chemistry from Victoria College, Palakkad, in 1953. Following his graduation, he worked briefly as a teacher before joining Mathrubhumi as a sub-editor in 1957.

MT’s literary journey began during his school period, but it was during his college days at Victoria College that his first short story, Raktam Puranda Mantharikal (Blood-stained soil), was published. His active literary career gained momentum in the late 1950s. His debut novel, Pathiravum Pakalvelichavum (Midnight and Daylight), was serialised in Mathrubhumi Weekly. This was followed by his first published novel Naalukettu (The Legacy), in 1958, which won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1959. The novel delves into the emotional and familial struggles within a disintegrating Nair household and boldly critiques the ‘marumakkathayam’ (matrilineal inheritance) system.

Over the years, MT authored timeless novels like Kaalam (Time), Asuravithu (Seed of the Demon), Vilapam (The Dirge), Randamoozham (The Second Turn), and numerous short stories and novellas. His Randamoozham, published in 1984, is a retelling of the Mahabharata from Bhima’s perspective, earning immense acclaim and a permanent place in literary history.

His tenure at Mathrubhumi saw him rise to the position of editor of the weekly magazine in 1968. After resigning in 1981, he returned in 1989 as the Periodicals Editor. Post-retirement, he served as the president of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi and later as the chairman of the Thunchan Memorial Trust.

Equally significant was MT’s contribution to cinema, where he seamlessly blended literature and visual storytelling. His entry into films began with the screenplay for Murappennu, an adaptation of his own story. Over five decades, he wrote and directed some of the most celebrated films in Malayalam cinema, including Nirmalyam (1973), Bandhanam (1978), Kadav (1991) and Oru Cheru Punchiri (2000). His debut directorial venture Nirmalyam won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in 1973.

MT Vasudevan Nair’s illustrious career earned him numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan in 2005 and the prestigious Jnanpith Award in 1995, India’s highest literary honour. Other recognitions include the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award, Vayalar Award, Ezhuthachan Award and honorary DLitt degrees from Calicut and Mahatma Gandhi Universities.

MT’s works continue to resonate deeply, offering a poignant reflection of life’s complexities and human emotions. A literary giant and cinematic visionary, his passing marks the end of an era. Yet, his legacy will forever remain etched in the hearts of countless admirers and in the annals of Malayalam literature and cinema.