M S Viswanathan, one of the most popular music composers of south Indian cinema, passed away at a Chennai hospital this morning. He was 87.


Viswanathan, known in the industry as MSV, has a huge body of work in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam with over 750 films. Sivaji Ganeshan's Panam in 1952 was his debut creation.


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.


"Sonnathu Needhana' (Nenjil Oru Alayam), "Viswanathan Velai Vendum' (Kadalikka Neram Illai), "Kettavarellam Padalam' (Thangai) are among MSV's all time favourites that are still popular in Tamil Nadu.


"Mellisai Mannar', as his fans called him, had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and had initially shown signs of recovery. Viswanathan's son Gopi had said his father was being treated for geriatric disorders.