Kerala bids adieu to legendary author MT

Thousands gathered in this north Kerala city on Thursday to bid emotional farewell to MT Vasudevan Nair, the legendary Malayalam writer and filmmaker, who died on December 25 at a private hospital.

- Press Trust of India

KOZHIKODE:

His funeral procession, which wound its way through the streets of Kozhikode, was attended by dignitaries, writers, and fans, all of whom came to bid adieu to the literary giant.

MT, as he was affectionately called by his admirers, was cremated with full state honours at the public crematorium here.

T Satheesh, the son of MT's brother, performed the last rites at the crematorium named "Smrithipatham" on Mavoor Road.

The writer of 'Randamoozham' was the first to be cremated at the newly renovated facility in the city where the literary giant spent most of his life. Admirers from across the state gathered to pay their final respects.

Ministers MB Rajesh, PA Mohammed Riyas, AK Saseendran, MK Raghavan MP, Mayor Beena Philip and Kozhikode District Collector Snehil Kumar Singh were present.

The 91-year-old had been hospitalised in critical condition with a diagnosis of heart failure and breathed his last around 10 pm on Wednesday.

The mortal remains were taken to the crematorium on Mavoor Road, just two kilometres away from his house, Sithara, on Kottaram Road, after conducting ceremonial rites that were attended by his family members by 4 pm.

The ambulance carrying MT's body departed from his residence, with hundreds lining the streets to catch a final glimpse of the writer whose works profoundly influenced Malayalam literature and cinema.