Malayalam author dies at 91; tributes pour in

The 91-year-old author was admitted to the private hospital two weeks ago due to cardiac arrest and was on ventilator support

- Vishnu Varma

KOCHI: Acclaimed Malayalam author, screenplay writer and film director MT Vasudevan Nair passed away on Wednesday at a private hospital in Kozhikode, officials said. He was 91.

The 91-year-old author, popularly known as MT in literary and social circles, was admitted to the private hospital two weeks ago as a result of a cardiac arrest and was on ventilator support prior to his death, officials said.

Nair is considered one of the most versatile and progressive writers in Malayalam and had an array of works ranging from novels, essays, short stories, screenplays and children's literature.

A recipient of the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian award, Nair has also coveted seven national film awards, four of which were for 'best screenplay' between the years 1989 and 1994.