Renowned Bahrain-based expatriate writer and filmmaker Ajith Nair has been conferred with the prestigious S K Pottekkatt Memorial Sahithyaprathibha Award, in recognition of three decades of dedicated creative excellence and cultural contribution within the kingdom.
The honour, which commemorates the enduring legacy of Jnanpith laureate and travelogue pioneer S K Pottekkatt, was presented during a grand ceremony held at Mahe Kalagramam – a centre for art and culture in the Indian state of Kerala.
It is noteworthy that the Jnanpith Award itself represents the pinnacle of literary achievement in India, and this memorial award recognises those who continue Mr Pottekkatt’s tradition of exploring the human condition across borders.
The award was bestowed by the doyen of Malayalam literature, M Mukundan, who used the occasion to highlight the vital importance of literature and storytelling in contemporary society.
“Good novels speak only the truth,” Mr Mukundan remarked during his keynote address, while specifically praising Mr Nair’s unique ability to craft profound, socially-conscious narratives from the simplicity of everyday moments. He noted that Mr Nair’s work serves as a bridge between the shifting realities of the diaspora and their ancestral roots.
Mr Nair, left, receiving the award from Mr Mukundan
Originally hailing from Kalpetta in Wayanad, Mr Nair has remained a prominent and familiar figure in Bahrain’s cultural landscape for more than 30 years. His multidisciplinary work – spanning the fields of cinema, literature and photography – has effectively bridged his Indian heritage with his long-standing life in the Arabian Gulf, earning him deep respect throughout the region’s diverse expatriate community.
Mr Nair first made a significant mark in the world of filmmaking as the director of Nilavu, which holds the distinction of being the first Malayalam feature film shot entirely on location in Bahrain. The movie artistically captured the kingdom’s distinctive urban and coastal vistas, proving to a global audience that authentic, high-quality storytelling could thrive within the ‘Pravasi’ (expatriate) genre without relying on stereotypical tropes.
His latest collection of short stories, Paranjalum Theeratha Kathakal (Stories That Never End), has similarly garnered wide acclaim for its stylistic elegance and thematic depth. Critics have noted that these stories possess qualities that echo the very spirit of S K Pottekkatt himself. Indeed, the official award citation highlighted that Mr Nair’s pen has masterfully captured the essence of diverse cultures, mirroring the inquisitive soul of the travelogue pioneer in whose name he is being honoured.
Looking towards the future, Mr Nair is currently in the advanced stages of preparing for his second major feature film, titled Arabana (Wheelbarrow). Although the project was initially announced in 2013, it was deliberately placed on a hiatus as the director observed the rapid evolution of expatriate life in the Gulf. Mr Nair felt it was essential to ensure the script remained relevant to the modern era.
“The world has changed significantly since we first announced Arabana,” Mr Nair explained, noting that the original plot elements risked becoming obsolete in an era where physical distance no longer equates to communication isolation.
“With the rise of instant communication tools like WhatsApp and various social media platforms, the barriers that once defined the expatriate experience have largely vanished. However, the emotional struggles, the dreams and the exploitation of the common man remain as real as they ever were. We have updated the narrative to reflect today’s digital reality while keeping the core soul of the story intact.”
Produced by Convex Productions, the film follows the journey of a renowned playwright invited to Bahrain to stage an award-winning drama. When an unforeseen accident involving a cast member disrupts the production, the narrative shifts to explore deeper social issues, the plight of migrant workers and the complex relationships maintained across international borders.
Durdle Door, England — a breathtaking natural limestone arch shaped by time and the sea on the Jurassic Coast, a Unesco World Heritage site. A photograph taken by Mr Nair during his travels
The entire project will be shot in Bahrain, using the kingdom’s rich heritage sites and modern architectural landscapes as its primary backdrop. This commitment to local filming further cements Mr Nair’s dedication to showcasing Bahrain’s unique aesthetic to a wider audience. Pre-production is currently underway, with principal photography scheduled to commence by the end of this year.
The cast is set to feature a blend of established Malayalam stars and talented local performers from the Gulf region.
In his moving acceptance speech at Mahe Kalagramam, Mr Nair expressed his heartfelt gratitude for being honoured in the name of a writer who inspired his personal journey from the hills of Wayanad to the shores of the Arabian Gulf. He dedicated the award to the vibrant expatriate community that has been his muse for three decades.
The SK Pottekkatt Memorial Sahithyaprathibha Award not only celebrates his achievements but also reinforces his vital role as a cultural ambassador between Bahrain and India.
As Arabana moves into active production, it stands as a clear testament to Mr Nair’s long-standing commitment to portraying the human condition within the kingdom’s unique socio-cultural environment.
avinash@gdnmedia.bh
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