Tributes have been flowing, grieving the death of the legendary Malayalam writer and director MT Vasudevan Nair, who breathed his last on Wednesday night. A man whose influence is not restrained to impress a limited section, the pain has been shared by people from across different spheres.
Expressing his condolence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted that iconic writer’s literature had a profound exploration of human emotions, shaping generations. Stating that he gave voice to the silent and marginalized, the prime minister said his thoughts are with the writer’s family and admirers.
Read Also: “Felt Like His Son”: Mammootty Remembers MT Vasudevan Nair
“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 marginalized. My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” the Prime Minister wrote.
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…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 26, 2024
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed condolence, noting that the people lost a doyen of Malayalam literature who elevated our language to global heights. Calling him a true cultural icon who captured the soul of Kerala through his timeless works, the chief minister said the writer’s steadfast commitment to secularism and humanity leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations. The state government has also declared a two-day mourning in the death of the Kendra Sahitya Academy awardee.
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
Read Also: MT Vasudevan Nair: Kerala Announces 2-Day Mourning, Tributes Pouring In
Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, in an X post, called the MT Vasudevan Nair 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,” the Congress MP wrote. Several other politicians, businessmen, cultural figures, and other social leaders have been mourning the death of the legendary figure.
Big wigs from Malayalam film industry, which has been one of the sectors that benefited from the thoughts and imaginations of the MT, have expressed an emotional farewell to the legend, reflecting the deep relationship. MT was a towering figure for both Indian and particularly for Malayalam film and literature worlds.
Actor Mammootty shared an emotional Facebook post, expressing his deep loss while saying that the death of MT has left an emptiness in his heart. The Jnanpith awardee and the megastar had a very strong bond, both personally and professionally, having worked in several films together. At a recent event, MT was seen getting emotional hugging Mammootty warmly, and the heartwarming hug was hailed as the moment of the day by the netizens.
“Some say it was MT who discovered me, but it was I who longed for him, prayed for him, and eventually found him. From the day I met him, our bond grew stronger—like a friend, like a brother.”
Reflecting on the recent emotional moment with MT Vasudevan Nair, the Malayalam star said, “During the event, he stumbled, and I instinctively reached out to support him. As he leaned on my chest, I felt an inexplicable emotion—like I was his son. It was a moment that etched itself into my soul.”
Expressing his gratitude to play the characters created by the writer, the actor said that to have a place in his heart is the greatest fortune his cinematic journey has given him. “I have brought to life many of his characters, filled with his soul and essence. But none of that comes to mind now. An era seems to be fading away,” the actor said, adding that his mind was feeling empty and he folded his hands in reverence.
Actor Mohanlal also expressed his immense bond with the legendary writer, remembering that he used to visit him whenever he visited Kozhikode. He also expressed gratitude for the “memorable characters” given by MT in his career. “Acting in roles penned by MT has been an unparalleled privilege,” the actor added.