Nanjil Nadan was born in Veera Narayanamangalam, Thazhakudy in Kanyakumari District to Ganapathiya Pillai and Saraswathi Ammal.

His first short story, "Viradham", was published in July 1975 in the magazine Deepam, run by Na.

In 2002, his novel Thalaikeezh Vigithangal was made into a Tamil film titled Solla Marandha Kadhai directed by Thangar Bachan.

[6] His novel Ettu Thikkum Madha Yaanai is being made into a Tamil film titled Padithurai.

[8] Some of his works have been translated to English, Malayalam, and French and included as part of the curriculum in several educational institutions.