Kozhikode: Kerala has paid last respects to legendary Malayalam writer, director and screenwriter MT Vasudevan Nair on Thursday. He was cremated with full state honours on Thursday. Wrapped in red silk cloth, the literary doyen's body was taken to the 'Smrithipadham' crematorium at Mavoor road here around 4.40 pm. He was accorded a state honour complete with gun salute at the crematorium. After the state honour, his family members including his daughter, nephew and grandson performed the last rites. Later, his body was taken to the gas-fired furnace at the crematorium.

MT (91) breathed his last on Wednesday night at Kozhikode Baby Memorial Hospital. He had been admitted on December 15 with severe breathing difficulties and worsening phlegm build-up.

A massive crowd was seen waiting to pay last respects to the great writer on the premises of his house and the crematorium. After the cremation, a condolence meeting was held at the crematorium. Ministers PA Mohammad Riyas, MB Rajesh, Kadannappalli Ramachandran, AK Saseendran, Kozhikode MP MK Raghavan, MLA Thottathil Raveendran and Kozhikode mayor Beena Philip addressed the meeting.

A large crowd, including prominent figures, gathered at 'Sitara', the writer's residence on Kottaram Road to bid a final farewell to their literary icon. The atmosphere evoked a poignant line from his masterpiece, Randamoozham, "Remember, every beginning has an end."

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, actor Mohanlal, filmmaker Hariharan, writer MN Karassery, Minister AK Saseendran, MP Shafi Parambil, M Swaraj, Panakkad Sadiqali Shihab Thangal, and actor and dancer Vineeth were among those who visited the residence to pay their respects.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reached MT's home by around 10.40 am and consoled the family members after paying tributes. Ministers P A Mohammed Riyas, A K Saseendran, CPM state secretary M V Govindan and former minister E P Jayarajan accompanied the Chief Minister. 

Describing M T as a towering figure in the field of short story writing, novel writing, screenplay writing, film direction, journalism, and cultural leadership, Vijayan said through his works, he conveyed the beauty and complexity of Kerala's life. "He rose to global prominence while firmly rooting himself in the cultural traditions of Valluvanadu, reflecting the life and ethos of the people. In doing so, M T marked not only the individual minds of Keralites but also the collective consciousness of the people of Kerala through his writings," he said.

Malayalam film actors Mohanlal and Mammootty also reached to pay last respects to the legendary writer.

“MT gave me some of the most memorable characters in my film career. He even travelled to Mumbai to watch my Sanskrit plays and used to meet him whenever I visited Kozhikode. Acting in roles penned by MT has been an unparalleled privilege,” said Mohanlal while moruning the writer's demise.

Actor Mammootty penned a heartfelt note on his Facebook page, expressing a deep sense of loss. “Finding a place in MT's heart is the greatest blessing of my career. I have portrayed many characters that carried his soul, though I can't recall all of them now. A whole era is fading away, leaving my mind empty. When I held him after he stumbled during a programme in Ernakulam four-five months ago, I felt like I was holding my father,” wrote Mammootty.

Upon hearing the news of MT's demise, a large crowd was gathered at Baby Memorial Hospital in Kozhikode. His wife, Saraswathy, and daughter, Aswathy, were present during his final moments. Prominent personalities from literature, cinema, and politics continue to arrive at the residence to honour the legendary writer.

The Kerala government declared Thursday and Friday as official days of mourning to honour MT. Though his family decided no to take his mortal remains for public viewing as per his wish, thousands of people flocked to his residence to pay last respects to him.