Well-known Tamil film music composer M.S. Viswanathan died at a private hospital in Chennai on July 14th morning. He was 87.

M.S. Viswanathan

MSV, as he’s fondly called by the Tamil film music fans , had been undergoing treatment at Fortis Malar hospital for old-age related ailments and breathing problem.

Though he had showed signs of recovery after initial treatment and was almost ready to be taken back home, his condition deteriorated last week.

He breathed his last at 4.15 on Tuesday.

Popular for composing music in the Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam film industries, MSV has over 750 films to his credit.

MSV is popular for his collaboration with fellow composer T.K. Ramamoorthy. The duo composed music for 86 Tamil films during their association of over a decade.

Having started composing together in 1952, they split up in 1965. Some of their best films include “Paasamalar”, “Sumaithaangi”, “Server Sundaram”, “Aayirathil Oruvan” and “Enga Veetu Pillai”.

After the separation, MSV went on to become more successful than TKR

Viswanathan’s solo hits include “Bama Vijayam”, “Galatta Kalyanam”, “Deivamagan”, “Moondru Dheivangal”, “Rickshawkarana, “Bharatha Vilas” and “Ulagam Sutrum Valibana.

Popularly known as ‘king of light music’ (Mellisai Mannar), Vishwanathan has also worked in Malayalam films such as “Manthrakodi”, “Babu Mon”, “Ullasa Yathra” and “Amme Anupame”.

In Telugu, his compositions include “Tenali Ramakrishna”, “Anthuleni Kathaa, “Idhi Katha Kaadu”, “Aakali Rajyam” and “Maro Charitra”.

MSV and legendary filmmaker K. Balachander combination has produced several evergreen classics.

Viswanathan’s wife Janaki died in 2012. A year later, his best friend and composer T.K. Ramamurthy breathed his last.

He is a recipient of Kalamamani and several other music awards. He was never given the Padmashree award despite being recommended for it several times by the Tamil Nadu Govt