Thousands bid farewell to M.S. Viswanathan

Scores of people flocked the Besant Nagar crematorium here on Wednesday to bid farewell to southern composer M.S. Viswanathan (MSV) who died on Tuesday.

MSV, as he was fondly known in the Tamil film fraternity, had over 750 films to his credit in an illustrious career spanning over four decades.

He was 87, and passed away due to geriatric problems.

On Tuesday, his body was shifted to his residence from the hospital for fans and well-wishers to pay their final respects.

On Wednesday, thousands of MSV's fans and members of the film fraternity joined the procession from his residence to the crematorium. Viswanathan's sons and other family members were present.

Musicians Shankar and James Vasanth, filmmaker P. Vasu, actors Kamal Haasan, Mohan and Sachu and MDMK leader Vaiko were among those who paid their last respects at the crematorium.

As a mark of respect to the legendary composer, the Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) cancelled all film-related activities on Wednesday.

MSV was popular for his collaboration with fellow composer T.K. Ramamurthy. They composed music for 86 Tamil films over a decade.

They started composing together in 1952 but split up in 1965. Some of their best films include "Paasamalar", "Sumaithaangi", "Server Sundaram", "Aayirathil Oruvan" and "Enga Veetu Pillai".

Viswanathan's solo hits include "Bama Vijayam", "Galatta Kalyanam", "Deivamagan", "Moondru Dheivangala, "Rickshawkaran", "Bharatha Vilas" and "Ulagam Sutrum Valiban".

Popularly known as 'king of light music' (Mellisai Mannar), Viswanathan also worked in Malayalam films such as "Manthrakodi", "Babu Mon", "Ullasa Yathra" and "Amme Anupame".

In Telugu, his compositions include "Tenali Ramakrishna", aceAnthuleni Katha", "Idhi Katha Kaadu", "Aakali Rajyam" and "Maro Charitra".

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