Renowned Malayalam Writer MT Vasudevan Nair Dies At 91, Kerala Govt Announces 2-Day Mourning

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has directed the postponement of all government events, including the Cabinet meeting scheduled for December 26, as a mark of respect, the CMO said in a statement.

File photo of renowned Malayalam writer and director MT Vasudevan Nair.

Source : PTI

Renowned Malayalam writer and director MT Vasudevan Nair died at 91 on Wednesday at a private hospital in Kozhikode. The Jnanpith award winner was admitted with heart failure and was undergoing treatment at the Kozhikode hospital. 

The office of Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan confirmed receiving the information about MT's demise. He was suffering several health issues including resipratory ailments for a while, according to reports. He had been under the care of a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including cardiologists and critical care experts, since his hospitalisation last week.

 

MT Vasudevan Nair, popularly known as MT, was a celebrated writer, screenwriter, and filmmaker, renowned for his profound contributions to Malayalam literature and cinema. Over the course of seven decades, he has authored nine novels, 19 collections of short stories, directed six films, around 54 screenplays and several collections of essays and memoirs. 

 

The state government declared official mourning on December 26 and 27 to honour his demise. CM Vijayan has directed the postponement of all government events, including the Cabinet meeting scheduled for December 26, as a mark of respect, the CMO said in a statement.

Vijayan expressed his condolences to Nair's family and said that "his commitment to secularism and humanity leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations."

With MT Vasudevan Nair’s passing, we’ve lost a doyen of Malayalam literature who elevated our language to global heights. A true cultural icon, he captured the soul of Kerala through his timeless works. His steadfast commitment to secularism and humanity leaves behind a legacy… pic.twitter.com/2d0V7Tdgp4

— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) December 25, 2024

"With MT Vasudevan Nair’s passing, we’ve lost a doyen of Malayalam literature who elevated our language to global heights. A true cultural icon, he captured the soul of Kerala through his timeless works. His steadfast commitment to secularism and humanity leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations. Heartfelt condolences to his family and the cultural community," Kerala CM said in a post on X.

 

Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also condoled his demise and called him 'a true custodian of art and literature.'

With MT Vasudevan Nair’s passing, we’ve lost a doyen of Malayalam literature who elevated our language to global heights. A true cultural icon, he captured the soul of Kerala through his timeless works. His steadfast commitment to secularism and humanity leaves behind a legacy… pic.twitter.com/2d0V7Tdgp4

— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) December 25, 2024

"With the passing of Shri M.T. Vasudevan Nair, we bid adieu to 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. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and admirers. His legacy will live on in every story he told and every heart he touched," Priaynka said.