The man who wasn’t a litterateur

By: Prof MK Sanoo

It was during the era of progressive literature that Vaikom Muhammad Basheer began writing. While Thakazhi, Kesava Dev, and Ponkunnam Varkey aimed to transform society through literature, Basheer’s approach was different—he treated stories simply as stories. Each of his works had a distinct pattern. This is evident in Poovambazham, Pathummayude Adu, or Pranayalekhanam. Though part of the progressive movement, he walked his own path—and his writing was truly unique.

In Ntuppuppakkoranendarnnu, he stressed the need for the Muslim community to adopt progressive thinking. In Mathilukal, he beautifully blended reality and fantasy—something no one else dared at the time. He wrote fearlessly, portraying characters as they were. His language was distinctive and lyrical. He coined unforgettable phrases like “Onnum Onnum Immini Balya Onnu” (One plus one makes a bit big one), introducing a new rhythm to Malayalam prose.
I first met Basheer during a Sahithya Parishat meeting in the 1950s near TDM Hall. Curious, I went looking for him—but he wasn’t there. I found him instead at his bookstall near Boat Jetty, Kochi, selling his own books. I asked, “Why aren’t you at the Parishat meeting?” He quipped, “Isn’t that for litterateurs?” He never considered himself one.

He lived then in a building opposite the Press Club. He’d sleep till noon, roam at night. We often gathered at Shanmugham Road—PK Balakrishnan, Ponjikkara Rafi, CJ Thomas, Basheer and I. Tea at the Sea View Hotel often followed, with discussions on literature and life.

Basheer had clever book-selling tricks. He’d pitch a book with a quick, witty summary. His umbrella—custom-made nearby—had “specially made for Vaikom Muhammad Basheer” printed inside. Once, someone mistakenly took it. Basheer chased him: “Are you Basheer? No? Then open it—the name is written inside!”

In the late ’50s, he sold the bookstall to NBS and moved to Thalayolaparambu. A board outside read: “Those who need tea should bring milk and tea. Water is plenty.” Later, in Beypore, he sat under the mangosteen tree. When he received a freedom fighter’s award, he joked, “Good to pelt dogs with.”Meals at his home were always generous—pearl fish fry a favourite. Once, he and Varkey bought food, left it in a room, and went for a drink. They returned to find a dog had eaten it. Basheer told it, “Hey dog, please go drink some water now. (As told to MK Sunilkumar)




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