Chennai

Renowned music director S P Venkatesh, celebrated for his contributions to South Indian cinema, passed away at his residence on Tuesday due to cardiac arrest. He was 70.

Venkatesh, who was also credited as Sangeetharajan, gained widespread acclaim with his work in the 1986 film Rajavinte Makan. He collaborated with legendary actors such as Mohanlal and Mammootty, delighting audiences with both his evocative melodies and powerful background scores.

Born on March 5, 1955, to mandolin player Pazhani, Venkatesh began his musical journey as a guitarist in films under composer Vijay Bhaskar in 1971. He established himself as a versatile composer across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada cinema. His debut as a music director in Malayalam films came with Janakeeya Kodathi in 1985.

Venkatesh received the Kerala State Film Award for Best Music Director in 1993 for his work in Paithrukam and Janam. Over his career, he composed numerous hit songs and scores for films including Bhoomiyile Rajakkanmar, Vazhiyora Kazhchakal, Indrajalam, Nadodi, Manthrikam, Kilukkam, Minnaram, Sphadikam, and Johnny Walker.

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His death marks the end of an era in South Indian film music, leaving behind a legacy cherished by generations of cinephiles.