MT Vasudevan Nair dies at 91: PM Modi, Kamal Haasan and others pay tribute

Malayalam director and writer MT Vasudevan Nair died on Wednesday at the age of 91. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and actors Mammootty and Kamal Haasan mourned his loss, expressing their disbelief and sorrow over his passing.

In Short

• Malayalam director MT Vasudevan Nair dies at 91
• Actors Mammootty and Kamal Haasan mourn his loss
• Kamal Haasan calls MT a great writer and friend

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and actors Mammootty and Kamal Haasan expressed their sorrow over Malayalam director and writer MT Vasudevan's death. The veteran died on Wednesday at 91. Kamal and Maamootty extended their condolences via their social media posts.

Kamal Haasan wrote, "We have lost a great writer. MT Vasudevan Nair, a great personality in the world of Malayalam literature, has left us. My friendship with him, as the creator of the film 'Kanyakumari', which introduced me to the Malayalam film world, is now fifty years old. That friendship continued until the recent release of 'Manoratha'."

He added, "He was a prolific writer of Malayalam novels and a successful screenwriter. His passing, which left a deep mark on the field of journalism, is both shocking and painful. A unique and charismatic mind that contributed to all forms of writing has passed away. This is a great loss. It will sadden readers and art lovers of South Indian literature. My heartfelt tribute to the great writer (sic)."

Here's the post:

Mammootty, sharing a picture with MT, wrote, "Some people say that MT discovered Mammootty. I was the one who wanted to see him, prayed for him, and found him. That relationship grew from the day I met him. It multiplied like a friend, like a brother. Four or five months ago, during a program in Ernakulam, I stumbled and leaned on his chest, unable to hold him. I felt like I was that man's son (sic)."

He continued, "I have found a place in that heart. The greatest fortune I have received in my film career. I have portrayed many characters with a touch of his soul. I don't remember any of them now. An era is fading away. My mind feels empty. I spread both my hands (sic)."

Check out the post here:

Apart from them, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, too, mourned MT's loss and wrote on X: Saddened by the passing away of Shri MT Vasudevan Nair Ji, one of the most respected figures in Malayalam cinema and literature. His works, with their profound exploration of human emotions, have shaped generations and will continue to inspire many more. He also gave voice to the silent and marginalised. My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti (sic)."

Here's his post on X:

Popularly called MT, the master of novels, short stories, screenplays, children's literature, travel writing, and essays, was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the country's third-highest civilian award, and the Jnanpith, the highest literary recognition. He was also a recipient of the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award, the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, among others.

MT served as the editor of periodicals and later as the Chief Editor of the Mathrubhumi Illustrated Weekly, retiring in 1998 after more than four decades of service.