Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kamal Haasan, Mammootty mourn the loss of MT Vasudevan Nair, legendary Malayalam writer and director

Veteran Malayalam director and writer MT Vasudevan Nair, known widely as one of the greatest figures in Malayalam literature and cinema, has left this world on Wednesday, with him being 91. Fans and colleagues across the globe are feeling a void because of his death as numerous prominent personalities, such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, actors Mammootty and Kamal Haasan, have sent their tributes.

Prime Minister Modi has taken to social media to pay his condolences, writing, "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 ."

He was known affectionately as "MT." He was a master of novel and short story writing, children's literature, travel writing, and essay writing. His contributions to Malayalam cinema, be it as a screenwriter or director, are unforgettable. In addition to his great literary career, MT has been the editor of various periodicals and eventually Chief Editor of 'Mathrubhumi Illustrated Weekly'. He retired in 1998 after more than forty years of service. Many high-level awards have come to him, including Padma Bhushan and Jnanpith.

Kamal Haasan, a veteran actor who was close to MT for over five decades, also mourned his loss. He 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'."

Mammootty, who also shared a close bond with MT, wrote a heartfelt tribute. He shared a picture with MT and reflected,"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."

MT Vasudevan Nair, a great loss the literary and cinematic world has suffered, leaving us all with a legacy that is set to inspire generations to create the same magic.