Munish Sood
Mandi
Eminent Himachali litterateur, historian and veteran employees’ movement leader Krishna Kumar Nutan, popularly known as K.K. Nutan, passed away after a prolonged illness on Saturday evening. He was 97. His last rites were performed on Sunday at Hanuman Ghat in Mandi in the presence of writers, journalists, senior officials and admirers from across the region.
Born on November 29, 1929, to freedom fighter Khem Chand, K.K. Nutan lived a life that mirrored the intensity and depth of the stories he wrote. In his youth, he walked away from home in protest against early marriage and spent years as a wandering ascetic, studying Indian philosophy, culture and religious texts before dedicating himself entirely to literature.
Over the decades, Nutan emerged as one of Himachal Pradesh’s most respected literary voices, writing extensively across poetry, fiction, novels and drama. He authored more than 20 books and became one of the earliest published writers from the Mandi region soon after Independence. In 1948, three of his works — Vyākul Hriday (poetry), Pariprabha (short stories) and Chandrahas (play) — were published, marking the beginning of a remarkable literary journey.
K.K. Nutan gained nationwide attention after his story Yaadgaar inspired the acclaimed Hindi film Geet Gaaya Pattharon Ne by legendary filmmaker V. Shantaram. However, controversy erupted when Nutan allegedly did not receive due credit as the original writer. The dispute generated widespread discussion and unexpectedly brought the Himachali author into national prominence. The film also remains notable as one of the early screen appearances of veteran actor Jeetendra.
Beyond literature, Nutan was also a powerful voice in employees’ movements and actively led several struggles concerning workers’ rights. Deeply interested in history, he documented the lives of freedom fighters and social reformers in his celebrated work Itihas Sakshi Hai, which focused on figures such as Rani Khairgarhi, Swami Krishnanand and Bhai Hirda Ram. The book earned him the prestigious Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar State Award from the Himachal Pradesh Language and Culture Department.
Known for his sharp intellect and unwavering energy, Nutan also spent time in journalism and remained actively engaged in literary and social discourse well into his later years. His contribution to literature and culture was recognised by several organisations, including the Hemkant Katyayan Memorial Trust.
A large number of literary figures and prominent citizens attended his cremation on Sunday. Among them were Apurva Devgan, senior poet Dinu Kashyap, novelist Gangaram Raji, Himachal Gaurav Birbal Sharma, litterateur Murari Sharma, Dr Dharampal Kapoor, Krishan Chand Mahadevia, Dr Rakesh Sharma, Satyamahesh Sharma, journalists Khem Chand Shastri, Virendra Bhardwaj, Dharmveer and Vinod Rana.
Tributes continued to pour in from literary and cultural circles across Himachal Pradesh. District Language Officer Rewati Saini described K.K. Nutan as “a priceless literary legacy of Himachal” and said the department was also featuring him in its upcoming publication dedicated to writers above 80 years of age. Senior litterateur Rekha Vashisht, poet Rupeshwari Sharma, theatre personality Seema Sharma, poet Ravi Rana Shaheen, Prakash Chand Dhiman, Dr P.C. Kaundal and Hemkant Katyayan Memorial Trust president Nirmala Katyayan also expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family.
With the passing of K.K. Nutan, Himachal Pradesh has lost not merely a writer, but a towering literary voice whose life, struggles and writings reflected the spirit of an era.
