Thiruvananthapuram- M.T. Vasudevan Nair, widely regarded as one of the greatest Malayalam writers of all time, passed away at the age of 91 on Wednesday at a private hospital in Kozhikode, Kerala. Fondly known as MT, he was a recipient of the Jnanpith Award, India's highest literary honor, in 1995.

MT's illustrious career spanned both literature and cinema. He served as the editor of the popular Malayalam weekly Mathrubhumi and was awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors. He is credited with directing seven films and scripting approximately 54 others, earning four National Film Awards for his screenplays. Filmmakers consider his screenplays essential reading.

Among his numerous accolades are the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award, Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, Vayalar Award, Vallathol Award, Ezhuthachan Award, Mathrubhumi Literary Award, and O.N.V. Literary Award. In 2013, he received the J.C. Daniel Award for lifetime achievement in Malayalam cinema, and in 2022, the inaugural Kerala Jyothi Award, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the Kerala Government.

MT's passing marks the end of a significant era in Malayalam literature and cinema. His legacy, however, lives on in his writings and the profound impact he had on generations of readers and filmmakers.

In October, MT made headlines when his residence was burglarized of gold ornaments while he and his wife were away. Police later recovered the items, linking a domestic helper to the theft.