Ace writer VKN dead

Ace Malayalam humourist and story-teller Vadakke Koottala Narayanan Nair, popularly known as VKN, who died at residence at Thiruvallamala near here on Sunday night, was cremated on the bank of Bharathapuzha yesterday.

VKN (72) was ailing for the last few months. He is survived by wife Vedavathi and a daughter.

A large number of people from various walks of life turned up to pay their last respects to the writer.

In his literary life spanning over half-a-century, he wrote about 50 books. Among them are Pithamahan, Adhikaram, Avarohanam, Payyans Kathakal and VKN Kathakal.