Renowned Malayalam writer and filmmaker M.T. Vasudevan Nair, who had been battling heart failure, passed away on December 25 at a private hospital in Kozhikode, Kerala. He was 91. M.T., known for his evocative storytelling and cinematic contributions, authored iconic works like Naalukettu, Asuravithu, and Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha, winning numerous awards including the Jnanpith Award in 1995 and the Padma Bhushan in 2005. His death marks an irreplaceable loss for Malayalam literature and cinema. Tributes have poured in from across the world, with Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Governor Arif Mohammed Khan praising his towering legacy.

M T Vasudevan Nair Literary Icon and Jnanpith Award Winner Passes Away at 91

In a recent development, it has been announced that Dr. K.J. Yesudas will not be able to perform on December 14th at Ayyappa Temple, Shell Colony, Chembur, During the Mandala Pooja Celebrations due to personal reasons. While he requested to reschedule for January 2025, logistical constraints have made it impossible to accommodate the request.

However, fans need not worry, as Shri Vijay Yesudas will be performing on the scheduled date. He will be joined by a talented lineup of singers, including Reemi Tomy, Nithya Mammen, and Kaushik, along with Bennet and the Band providing musical support. Organizers are confident that the revised performance will be a memorable and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

The event promises to be a grand success, and organizers thank devotees for their continued support.

Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa.

Change in Lineup  Shri Vijay Yesudas to Perform on December 14th

The iconic Malayalam films Neelakkuyil (1954) and Bhargavi Nilayam (1964) hold a special place in Kerala's cinematic history, both scripted by literary giants P.C. Kuttikrishnan (Uroob) and Vaikom Mohammed Basheer. Produced by T.K. Pareekutty under Chandratara Productions, Neelakkuyil was a breakthrough with a budget of Rs. 1.36 lakh, while Bhargavi Nilayam was directed by Vincent and featured haunting songs by Baburaj.

Neelakkuyil, based on Uroob's Kannada adaptation, had a remarkable 100-day run in theaters. It won the Second Best Film award from the Indian government and featured legendary songs like "Kayalarikathu." The film marked the beginning of a successful partnership between Uroob and the crew, including music director Raghavan and actor Sathyan.

Bhargavi Nilayam, adapted from Basheer's works, was a milestone for director Vincent and actor Madhu. The film's captivating dialogues and melodious Hindustani music resonated with audiences, further solidifying Basheer’s place in cinema. Both films were marked by innovative filmmaking and memorable performances, remaining cherished in Kerala’s cinematic legacy.

Neelakkuyil and Bhargavi Nilayam Milestones in Malayalam Cinema

Mumbai Malayalai Sahitya Charcha Vedi will hold its monthly Sahitya Charcha on Sunday, December 1st, 2024, from 4:30 PM onwards at Kerala Bhavanam, Matunga. Renowned writer Smt. Vijaya Menon will present her stories during the event. For more details, contact 9820425553.

Mumbai Malayalai Sahitya Charcha Vedi to Host Monthly Literary Discussion on December 1st

New Bombay Keraleeya Samajam recently hosted its monthly literary meet, Kaviyarang. The event featured poetry readings by esteemed poets and artists, including poet and painter T.K. Muraleedharan, Rajendran Kuttoor, Manoj Mundayat, Santosh Pallassana, Suresh Nair, Ajit, P.K. Muraleekrishnan, Sumesh P.S., and Satidevi Varier.

C.P. Krishna Kumar served as the moderator for the evening. Prakash Kattakkata delivered the welcome address, and Anil Perumana proposed the vote of thanks.

Kaviyarang Literary Meet at New Bombay Keraleeya Samajam Highlights Poems by Renowned Poets

The Malayala Bhasha Pracharana Sangham organized sector-wise contests as part of the 13th Malayalotsavam at the Model College Auditorium in Dombivli, Kambalpada. Sector President Rajani Satyanath presided over the event, while T.N. Hariharan, President of Keraleeya Kendra Sanghatana, inaugurated the contests. In his address, Hariharan commended the organization for its efforts in promoting the Malayalam language and Kerala's culture. Secretary Prashant Raj welcomed the participants.

The contests, which took place across five venues, saw enthusiastic participation from around 500 individuals, ranging in age from four to eighty-four.

The Kalyan sector emerged victorious, securing first place with 229 points, while Dombivli West claimed second place with 142 points. The jury members included Kalamandalam Srilakshmi, Ambili Prasannan, Shyama Sugir, Drushya Rakesh, Santosh Venugopal, Sitalakshmi, Saviour Joseph, Santosh Thomson, Jyotilakshmi Nambiar, and Shabu Bhargavan.

Drawing competitions were held on November 17 at five venues, and winners from all sectors will come together for the grand finale on December 22 at the Model College Auditorium. The Malayalotsavam for all ten sectors across Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts is set to conclude by December 8.





Sector Contests of Malayalotsavam Held in Dombivli Kalyan Sector Clinches First Place

*Nanma Charitable Foundation Launches Education Assistance Program for Disabled Students*

Kalyan, Maharashtra: Nanma Charitable Foundation has launched the Nanma Education Assistance (NEA) initiative to support physically challenged students from underprivileged backgrounds. The foundation, with over a decade of experience in social welfare, aims to provide financial aid, resources, and opportunities to visually impaired and disabled students to help them pursue their education. 

Nanma has previously supported over 20,000 individuals through various initiatives, including healthcare, food aid, and relief efforts. The foundation calls for donations and volunteer support to make this new project a success. For more details, contact +91 9769232244 or email sunilraj70@gmail.com.

Nanma Charitable Foundation Launches Education Assistance Program for Disabled Students

Veteran Malayalam actor Meghanathan, aged 60, passed away due to complications from a lung-related illness. He was receiving treatment at a private hospital in Kozhikode and breathed his last on Wednesday. His funeral will take place at his residence in Shoranur on Thursday, according to family members.

Hailing from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Meghanathan was the third child of legendary actor Balan K Nair and Sarada Nair. He is survived by his wife Susmitha and daughter Parvathi.

Meghanathan's career began in 1983 with his debut in Asthram. Over the years, he appeared in more than 50 films, with notable performances in Panchagni, Chamayam, Rajadhani, Bhoomigeetham, Chenkol, and Vaasthavam. Apart from films, he was also a prominent figure on Malayalam television, starring in serials like Meghasandesham, Kathayariyathe, and Streetwam. His final film appearance was in Samadhana Pusthakam earlier this year.





Veteran Malayalam Actor Meghanathan Passes Away at 60

Playwright, poet, and writer Omchery N N Pillai passed away in Delhi on Friday. He was 100. A prominent figure in Delhi’s Malayali literary and cultural circles for decades, his plays focused on the struggles of the marginalized.

His play Pralayam won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1972, and his memoir Aakasmikam, detailing his life and experiences in Delhi, earned the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2020. In 2022, he was honored with the Kerala Prabha Award, a new civilian recognition by the Kerala government.

Born in Vaikom in 1924, Pillai completed his higher education at University College, Thiruvananthapuram, and Government Law College, Ernakulam. He joined All India Radio in Delhi in 1951 and later worked with the Publications Division and the Publicity Division of the Union government. During his career, he also pursued research in communication at various universities in the United States.

His wife, classical musician and musicologist Leela Omchery, who contributed extensively to Indian classical and folk music, passed away last year.





Playwright Omchery N N Pillai Passes Away at 100

Over three decades ago, a unique incident occurred at Guruvayur Temple, where a large crowd gathered for a special day with over 100 weddings scheduled. During the ceremonies, two sets of brides, confused by similar names and attire, mistakenly joined the wrong grooms. The mix-up was only realized after the rituals were complete. The families accepted the incident as divine intervention and left the venue.

This story was featured on the front page of Mathrubhumi Daily and inspired the 1992 Malayalam film Grihapravesam, starring Jagdish and Rekha, among others. More recently, Guruvayurambalanatayil also explored a similar theme.

Now, a Hindi film titled Laapataa Ladies, produced by Aamir Khan Films and directed by Kiran Rao, is garnering attention for its take on the accidental bride exchange, set during a train journey after the wedding. This film is being nominated for consideration for the Oscar Award for Best Foreign Film.





From Guruvayur to the Oscars The Curious Case of Accidental Bride Exchanges

Over three decades ago, a unique incident occurred at Guruvayur Temple, where a large crowd gathered for a special day with over 100 weddings scheduled. During the ceremonies, two sets of brides, confused by similar names and attire, mistakenly joined the wrong grooms. The mix-up was only realized after the rituals were complete. The families accepted the incident as divine intervention and left the venue.
This story was featured on the front page of Mathrubhumi Daily and inspired the 1992 Malayalam film Grihapravesam, starring Jagdish and Rekha, among others. More recently, Guruvayurambalanatayil also explored a similar theme.
Now, a Hindi film titled Laapataa Ladies, produced by Aamir Khan Films and directed by Kiran Rao, is garnering attention for its take on the accidental bride exchange, set during a train journey after the wedding. This film is being nominated for consideration for the Oscar Award for Best Foreign Film.