Well-known southern composer MS Viswanathan, who provided music to over 750 films, died here on Tuesday due to age related ailments and breathing problem. He was 87 and is survived by four son and three daughters. He was in a critical condition and had been admitted to a private hospital in Chennai a few days ago. MSV, as he was fondly called by the members of Tamil film industry, was undergoing treatment at Fortis Malar hospital. Popular for composing music in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam industries, MSV started his career as composer for 1952 film Tamil Panam starring Sivaji Ganeshan, MSV is popular for his collaboration with fellow composer TK 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. Post the separation, MSV went on to become more successful. His 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's collaboration with legendary filmmaker K Balachander also produced several evergreen classics. Viswanathan's wife Janaki died in 2012. A year later, his best friend and composer TK Ramamurthy breathed his last. He is a recipient of Kalamamani and several other music awards.
