MT was a man of many parts. A doyen of Malayalam literature who mentored many people with his trademark kindness, warmth, and genuine concern.
M.T. Vasudevan Nair was an iconic figure in Kerala during my childhood. His versatility and creativity in literature, cinema, and journalism, combined with his star-like fame, made him a revered public personality. As a young enthusiast in art and cinema, I dreamt of meeting this master craftsman, who was then the editor of Mathrubhumi Weekly.
MT’s grandson, Madhav, explores the magical world of books with his grandfather.
| Photo Credit:
Shaju John
I first met MT in 1990. His piercing gaze scanned me from head to toe—a distinctive style of his observation. Known for his serious demeanour and preference for minimal communication, he avoided people with boastful attitudes and superficial praise. Yet MT was affectionate and supportive of young talents who approached him with enthusiasm and passion.
The paintings on the foreground are portraits of MT gifted by his friends. At his flat close to “Sitara” in Kozhikode, in 2017.
| Photo Credit:
Shaju John
As a budding photographer and artist, I showed some of my pictures and artwork to “MT Sir”. He carefully examined each piece and selected one for the cover of Mathrubhumi Weekly. I felt deeply honoured to contribute a cover photograph to such a prestigious magazine under his editorship. Over time, several of my photographs appeared in Mathrubhumi Weekly and other publications.
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Upon learning about my interest in films, he encouraged me to pursue formal studies at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune. Without hesitation, he wrote a recommendation letter to Shaji N. Karun, who was closely associated with the institute. A year later, after attempting the FTII entrance exam, I visited MT Sir again. The moment I entered his room, he looked at me and asked: “Have you met Shaji?” I was amazed by his concern and precise memory.
An avid reader, MT could be frequently seen immersed in books.
| Photo Credit:
Shaju John
In the early 1990s, during my film ventures, I approached MT Sir for a job at Mathrubhumi. He cautioned me against juggling two pursuits—film and photojournalism—as both required full dedication. Despite his advice, I insisted on joining. To my surprise, I was selected as the first fulltime photographer for the periodicals section, which MT headed. Later, I learned that MT had personally requested the then Managing Director, M.P. Veerendrakumar, to take me under his wing.
Overseeing preparations for a Thunjan Memorial event at the research centre in Tirur in 2017.
| Photo Credit:
Shaju John
Working with MT as a trainee photographer for two years was transformative. He introduced me to everyone as “my photographer”, the highest honour a young professional could aspire for. When MT received the prestigious Jnanpith Award for his contribution to Malayalam literature in 1995, he took me along to several receptions in his native village, Koodallur, giving me the opportunity to capture many exclusive photographs. These photographs were published in Mathrubhumi‘s special edition on MT, earning praise from readers.
At the Thunchan Memorial Trust and Research Centre with P. Nandakumar, secretary of the trust, in September 2017.
| Photo Credit:
Shaju John
MT had an extraordinary ability to observe the world deeply and retain every experience in vivid detail. He captured these observations in his novels, stories, and screenplays. During our conversations, he would narrate his experiences with such visual clarity and logical flow that it felt like watching a movie.
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His love for Malayalam was profound. He founded the Thunchan Memorial Trust and Research Centre on the Thunchan Parambu grounds in Tirur, Malappuram, in memory of Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the father of Malayalam literature. Every year, during the vidyarambham ritual, thousands of children were initiated into the world of letters under his guidance.
At a vidyarambham ceremony in Thunchan Parambu in 2017. MT encouraged children to start learning languages from early childhood.
| Photo Credit:
Shaju John
For over 10 years after leaving Mathrubhumi in 1997, I had no contact with MT Sir while I travelled on UN assignments. Later, I visited him at his Kozhikode home with a coffee-table book I had created on HIV/AIDS awareness. MT was delighted to see me and my work. We spoke for hours as I shared updates on my family and career.
During one of our conversations in 2019, I mentioned my wish to open a studio gallery for creative gatherings. MT immediately said: “I will come.” True to his word, he visited my home in Chennai in April 2019. At the Chennai airport, he raised his hand in greeting from a distance and kept it raised until he reached me—a heartfelt gesture that moved me deeply.
The doting grandfather with his grandson, Madhav, at “Sitara” in August 2017.
| Photo Credit:
Shaju John
During the event, MT spoke about our first meeting and how he had kept me in his thoughts for 30 years with parental affection. His words left me speechless. For me, M.T. Vasudevan Nair remains a living encyclopaedia, philosopher, master craftsman, and parental figure—someone who left a deep impression on my life.
Shaju John is a visual journalist and documentary filmmaker.
