Actor Dulquer Salmaan, who recently won two awards at the AsiaVision Awards, posted on Facebook that he was honoured to be onstage when veteran author, screenplay writer, and director MT Vasudevan Nair was being felicitated.
MT Vasudevan Nair or MT, as he's known, is among Kerala's most distinguished literary faces. He has won the National Award for Best Screenplay four times, including for the classic Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha which stars Dulquer's father, Mammootty in the lead role. This is the most number of times anyone has won a National Award in this category.
The 1989 film Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha saw Mammootty winning the National Award for Best Actor. This was Mammootty's first win at the National Awards. The film provides an alternate perspective of a well-known legend in Kerala and is considered to be one of the finest films made in India. Mammootty's performance as Chandu is still talked about as one of his best.
MT's debut directorial Nirmalyam, which is about a village oracle who realises his services have become obsolete, won the National Award for Best Film.
Dulquer, who was seated next to the accomplished writer during the awards show, wrote, "I simply cannot put down in words the honor to be even seated next to MT sir, let alone being up on stage while he was being felicitated. Life surprises you at every turn. All thanks to my parents."
MT has won numerous awards for his writing, including the Sahitya Akademi, Kerala Sahitya Akademi and Jnanpith. He's also received the prestigious JC Daniel Award.
Dulquer also noted that he was stepping out with his wife after a long time and made a mention of his 'Cinderalla moment' when reality TV star and singer Vaishnav Girish carried him onstage.