ms vishwanathan biography

Name      :  Manayangath Subramanian Viswanathan

Born On: 24 June 1928

Born In: Elappully village in Palakkad, Kerala

Nationality: Indian

Career: Music Director

M.S.V. is a popular south Indian music director for five decades. He is popularly known as “Mellisai Mannar” (Tamil, for “The King of Light Music”). His major works are in Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu films. He has also acted and sung in a few films.

 

Childhood

His primary education was at Pallikunnu, Kannur. He would often play truant from school and stand outside the house of Neelakanta Bhagavathar, a local music teacher, and listen to his teaching other students. He learnt to play the harmonium, and Neelakanta Bhagavathar, who heard him play and sing on a Vijayadasami Day, was impressed and organised a three-hour concert at the Kannur town hall. He later gave his first stage performance in Trivandrum at the age of 13. He worked as an office boy for Jupiter Pictures in the 1940s, earning Rs 3 per month.

Early Life

Viswanathan had always wanted to be an actor and singer, but was not successful. He had a few small roles in stage dramas in the 1940s. The composer and violinist T. R. Papa met Viswanathan, took a liking to him and arranged a job for him as an errand boy for S. V. Venkatraman’s musical troupe in 1942. In that company of musicians, Viswanathan realised that he had the inclination and the potential for composing music. He thereafter joined S. M. Subbaiah Naidu and at times assisted him. He then joined C. R. Subburaman’s musical troupe as a harmonium player. Here, he met T. K. Ramamoorthy and T. G. Lingappa, the two leading violinists at that time. T. G. Lingappa also became a renowned music composer on his own in the 1950s.

As A Music Director

M. S. Viswanathan began his solo career in 1965.Viswanathan is known for having incorporated various genres of world music into Indian cinema music. He used elements such as humming and whistling in his songs, and blended new trends such as western music and disco with Indian classical tunes.Some of his films as solo music composer include Idhayakani, Gallatta Kalyanam, Chandrodhyam, Kannan En Kadhalan, Dheiva Magan, Nimrundhu Nil, Rickshakaran, Ulagam Sutrum Vaaliban, and Urumai Kural. M. S. Viswanathan also scored music for many non-film albums and for political campaigns.[

He also did playback singing, including 500 songs composed by himself and over 200 songs composed by music directors.He performed songs such as Sollathan Ninaikiren, Inbathilum Thunbathilun Sirithidu Magaley, Yenakkoru Kaathalai Irukindral, Sangamam and Vidaikodu Engal Nadey.

Viswanathan worked with many different film directors, including B. R. Panthulu, S. S. Vasan, B. S. Ranga, and Krishnan-Panju in the 1950s, and in later decades with C. V. Sridhar, A. Bhimsingh, Madhavan, T. R. Ramanna, A. C. Trilogchander, K. Shankar, K. Balachander, Muktha Srinivasan, Chitralaya Gopu, Cho Ramaswamy, and K. S. Gopalakrishnan from the 1960s. From the 1970s directors such as S. P. Muthuraman, Major Sundarrajan, Bhagyaraj, D. Yoganand, C. V. Rajendran, P. Madhavan, K. S. Prakash Rao, Vietnam Veedu Sundaram, N. T. Rama Rao, and I. V. Sasi frequently worked with Vishwanathan; later, in the 1980s and 1990s, new directors such as Visu, Mouli, Komal Swaminathan, and K. Raghunath collaborated with Viswanathan regularly.

He worked with a number of singers, both younger artists and more established ones, including, P. Susheela, L. R. Eswari, T. M. Soundararajan, and the Malayalam singer Jayachandran. He is also considered responsible for making singers like S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and Vani Jairam, R. Balasaraswathi, S. Janaki, A. L. Raghavan, Sirkazhi Govindarajan and K. J. Yesudas popular names. He gave Swarnalatha her first job as a playback singer when she was 14 years old. MSV has given great life by giving opportunity and support for many musicians, lyricists, singers etc. Lyricist Vaali quoted in 1984, “Until I met Viswanathan Sir, I had no money to have any food. But from the moment I met Viswanathan Sir I had no time to have food”.

M. S. Vishwanathan went on to act in Tamil feature films, notably appearing in Kaadhal Mannan after being convinced to do so by actor [[Vivek (actor)|and Director Saran while he also starred in Kamal Haasan’s Kaathala Kaathala and Karthik’s Rojavanam. He also made appearances in other films and television series since 1995.

Since 1996, Viswanathan focused on composing devotional music and serving as a judge in Malayalam and Tamil TV reality shows. He collaborated with Illaiyaraja in ‘Mella Thiranthathu Kathathavu’, ‘Senthamizh Paatu’ ‘Vishwa Thulsi’ and ‘Senthamizh Selvan’ starring Prashanth. He sang the song “Vidai Kodu Engal Naadae” for 2002 Tamil film “Kannathil Muthamittal” composed by A.R.Rahman. Then in 2013 he sang for the film Neelam – the song called ‘Alayae o Alayae’ and it was recorded in the supervision of music composer Satish Chakravarthy. According to director Kumar G. Venkatesh, this was the last song sung by M S V. He in 2013 composed music for the film Thillu Mullu, with Yuvan Shankar Raja While M. S. Viswanathan composed the tunes in the 2013 Thillu Mullu film, Yuvan Shankar Raja orchestrated and recorded them. He sang the song ‘Saami Namba saami’ penned by Snehan for the film “Mannar Valaiguda”, composed by S.Siva Pragasam.

Rajnikanth said in an interview about M. S. Viswanathan, “You will rarely find someone like MSV in any industry. He lived life like a selfless saint, free from jealousy and lies. He was behind the success of legends like MGR and Sivaji. If not for MSV, the careers of filmmaker Balachander, lyricists Vaali and Kannadasan wouldn’t have tasted huge success.”

Personal Life

Viswanathan was married to Janaki and they have four sons and three daughters, none of them who professed their father’s talent. His wife, Janaki, died on 14 May 2012.She was 77 when she died.

Death

On 27 June 2015, Viswanathan was admitted to Fortis Malar hospital in Chennai with breathing difficulties. He had been undergoing a treatment at the hospital for some time. He died at 4.15 a.m. on 14 July 2015 due to age-related ailments. He had turned 87 only three weeks earlier, three days before his hospitalization. He was cremated with full state honours at Besant Nagar Electric Crematorium. People from various fields of life paid homage to him. He is survived by his seven children – four sons and three daughters – none of them who followed their father’s path.

Awards

  • Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South
  • PBS Puraskar Award presented by Aruna Nithya Gopal Foundation awarded on 29 September 2013 at Ravindra Bharati.
  • Honorary doctorate from Tirunelveli-based Manonmaniam Sundaranar University (MSU) on 3 January 2013.
  • Paramacharya Award, meaning ‘The Ultimate Guru’ in 2006.
  • Doctorate conferred by Sathyabama University in 2006.
  • Won Gold Remi Award for the best music score for movie Vishwa Thulasi in 2005.
  • Isai Sangam honoured him with Isai Peraringnar, meaning “Great Scholar in Music”, in 2004.
  • Kalaimamani – A jewel for art – from State Govt of Tamil Nadu.
  • Seventh Kamukura Award – given by Kerala Cultural Ministry.
  • ‘Sangeetha Saraswathi’ by Poojya Sri Guruji Viswanath of Manava Seva Kendra.
  • 2013 – Asiavision Awards – Lifetime Achievement Award.
  • 1968 – Lakshmi Kalyanam – Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Director.
  • Nandi Award for Best Music Director for Naalaga Endara (1978).
  • Tamil Nadu State Film Honorary Award – Kannadasan Award in 2002.
  • Kerala State Film Award for Best Music Director – Chandrakantham, Jeevikkan Marannupoya Sthree in 1974

Filmography

Tamil

  • 1952: Panam
  • 1953: Sandirani
  • 1954:Genova,Marumagal,Pona Machaan Thirumbi Vandhan,Sorga Vasal,Sugam Engey,Vairamalai.
  • 1955: Gulebakavali,Jayagopi,Neethibathi,Porter Kandan.
  • 1956:Paasavalai,Thenaliraman.
  • 1957: Baktha Markandeya,Mahadhevi,Patthini Deivam,Pudhaiyal.
  • 1958: Kudumba Gauravam,Maalaiyitta Mangai,Padhi Bhakti,Petramaganai Vitra Annai.
  • 1959: Amudhavalli,Bhaaga Pirivinai,Raja Malayasimhan,Sivagangai Seemai,Thalai Kodutthan Thambi.
  • 1960: Thanga Padhumai,Aalukkoru Veedu,Kavalai Illaadha Manithan,Mannadhi Mannan,Ondru Pattal Undu Vazhavu,Rathhinapuri Ilavarasi.
  • 1961: Bhagyalakshmi,Manapanthal,Paalum Pazhamum,Paasamalar,Pava Mannippu.
  • 1962: Aalayamani,Bale Pandiya,Bandha Pasam,Kaathiruntha Kangal,Nenjil Oor Alayam,Nichaya Thaamboolam,Paadha Kaanikkai,                                    Padithaal Mattum Podhuma,Paarthal Pasi Theerum,Paasam,Policekaran Magal,Senthamarai,Sumaithaangi,Thendral Veesum,Veerathirumagan.
  • 1963: Anandha Jodhi,Idhayathil Nee,Ithu Sathiyam,Karpagam,Mani Osai,Nenjam Marappathillai,Paar Magale Paar,Panathottam,Periya Idathu Penn
  • 1964: Aandavan Kattalai,Dheiva Thaai,En Kadamai,Kai Kodutha Deivam,Kalai Kovil,Karnan,Karuppu Panam,Kadhalikka Neramillai,Pachai Vilakku,Padagotti,Panakkara Kudumbam,Puthiya Paravai,Server Sundaram,Vazhkai Vazhvadarke.
  • 1965: Anandhi,Aayirathil Oruvan,Enga Veettu Pillai,Hello Mister Zamindar,Kalangarai Vilakkam,Kuzhandaiyum Deivamum,Maganey Kel,Nee,   Neela Vanam,Panam Padaithavan,Panchavarna Kili,Pazhani,Poojaikku Vandha Malar,Santhi,Vaazhkai Padagu,Vennira Aadai.
  • 1966: Anbe Vaa,Chandhrodhayam,Chitthi,Enga Pappa,Gowri Kalyanam,Kodimalar,Kumari Penn,Motor Sundaram Pillai,Naan Aanaiyittal,Nadodi,Namma Veethu Lakshmi,Parakkum Paavai,Petralthan Pillaiya,Ramu,Thattungal Thirakkappadum.
  • 1967: Anubavam Pudhumai,Anubavi Raja Anubavi,Bama Vijayam,Bhavani,Iru Malargal,Kaavalkaaran,Nenjirukkum Varai,Ooty Varai Uravu,Pen Endral Pen,Selva Magal,Thangai.
  • 1968:  Anbu Vazhi,En Thambi,Enga Oor Raja,Galatta Kalyanam,Kallum Kaniyagum,Kanavan,Kannan En Kadhalan,Kudiyirundha Koyil,Kuzhandhaikkaga,Lakshmi Kalyanam,Neeyum Naanum,Nimirnthu Nil,Oli Vilakku,Pudhiya Boomi,Ragasiya Police 115,Thamarai Nenjam,Uyarntha Manithan,Uyira Maanama.
  • 1969: Anbalippu,Annaiyum Pithavum,Athai Magal,Deivamagan,Kanne Pappa,Kanni Penn,Nam Naadu,Nil Gavani Kadhali,Odum Nadhi,Paalkudam,Poova Thalaiya,Shanti Nilayam,Sivandha Mann,Thirudan.
  • 1970: Ethirkalam,Enga Mama,Engal Thangam,Engirundho Vandhaal,Kaaviya Thalaivi,Maalathi,Namma Kuzhandaigal,Nilave Nee Satchi,Paadhukaappu,Raman Ethanai Ramanadi,Sorgam,Thedi Vandha Mappillai,Veettuku Veedu.
  • 1971: Babu,Iru Thuruvam,Kumari Kottam,Muhammed Bin Thuklak,Meendum Vazhven,Moondru Dheivangal,Naangu Suvargal,Needhi Devan,Neerum Neruppum,Oru Thaai Makkal,Oru Thaai Makkal,Praptham,Punnagai,Rickshawkaran,Savaale Samali,Soodhattam,Sudarum Sooravaliyum,Sumathi En Sundari,Thangaikkaaga,Thenum Paalum,Uttharavindri Ulle Vaa,Veettukku Oru Pillai.
  • 1972: Aasirvadham,Dharmam Engey,Dhikku Theriyadha Kaattil,Enna Mudalali Sowkiyama,Gnana Oli,Idho Enthan Deivam,Kanna Nalama,Kasethan Kadavulada,Mister Sampath,Nawab Naarkali,Needhi,Pattikada Pattanama,Pillaiyo Pillai,Raja,Raman Thediya Seethai,Sange Muzhangu,Thangadurai,Thavapudhalavan.
  • 1973: Alaigal,Baghdad Perazhagi,Bharatha Vilas,Engal Thai,Ganga Gowri,Gauravam,Manidharil Manikkam,Manipayal,Nalla Mudivu,Paasa Deepam,Ponnunjal,Pookkari,Rajapart Rangadurai,School Master,Sollathaan Ninaikkiren,Sondham,Suryakanthi,Thalaiprasavam,Ulagam Sutrum Valiban,Vaayadi.
  • 1974: Akkarai Pachchai,Anbai Thedi,Atthaiya Mamiya,Aval Oru Thodar Kathai,Dheerga Sumangali,En Magan,Engal Kula Deivam,Kanmani Raja,Magalukkaga,Manikka Thottil,Naan Avanillai,Netru Indru Naalai,Panathukkaga,Pen Ondru Kanden,Roshakkari,Samayalkaran,Sirithu Vazha Vendum,Sivakamiyin Selvan,Thaai,Thaai Pirandhal,Thanga Pathakkam,Thirudi,Thirumangalyam,Urimaikural.
  • 1975: Apoorva Raagangal,Amudha,Anaya Vilakku,Anbe Aaruyire,Avanthan Manithan,Dr. Siva,Idhayakkani,Mamiyar Vijayam,Mannavan Vanthaanadi,Naalai Namadhe,Ninaithadhai Mudippavan,Paattum Bharathamum,Thaai Veetu Seedhanam,Vaira Nenjam,Vaazhnthu Kaattugiren.
  • 1976: Akka,Chitra Pournami,Grihapravesam,Idhaya Malar,Lalitha,Magarasi Vazhga,Manmadha Leelai,Mayor Meenakshi,Moondru Mudichu,Mutthana Mutthallavo,Needhikku Thalaivanangu,Neeyindri Naanillai,O Manju,Oorukku Uzhaippavan,Oru Kodiyil Iru Malargal,Payanam,Perum Pughazhum,Rojavin Raja,Sandhadhi,Thunive Thunai,Unakkaga Naan,Ungalil Orutthi,Unmaiye Un Vilai Enna,Uzhaikkum Karangal,Vazhvu En Pakkam,Veeduvarai Uravu.
  • 1977: Aarupushpangal,Annan Oru Koyil,Avan Oru Sarithiram,Avargal,Deviyin Thirumanam,Ellam Avale,Enna Thavam Seidhen,Gas Light Mangamma,Ilaya Thalaimurai,Indru Pol Endrum Vaazhga,Meenava Nanban,Naam Pirandha Mann,Nee Vazhavendum,Pattina Pravesam,Pennai Solli Kutramillai,Perumaikkuriyaval,Punidha Anthoniar,Punniyam Seidaval,Sila Nerangalil Sila Manidhargal,Thani Kudithhanam.
  • 1978: Aayiram Jenmangal,Agni Pravesam,Andaman Kadhali,Aval Thandha Uravu,En Kelvikku Enna Bathil,Ennai Pol Oruvan,Ganga Yamuna Kaveri,General Chakravarthi,Ilayarani Rajalatchumi,Iraivan Kodutha Varam,Justice Gopinath,Kungumam Kadai Solgiradhu,Madhuraiyai Meetta Sundharapandiyan,Nizhal Nijamagiradhu,Oru Nadigai Natakam Parkiral,Oru Veedu Oru Ulagam,Pilot Premnath,Punniya Boomi,Rudhra Thaandavam,Shankar Salim Simon,Seer Varisai,Taxi Driver,Thanga Rangan,Vandikaran Magan,Vanakkatukuriya Kathaliye,Varuvan Vadivelan,Vayasupponnu.
  • 1979: Aadu Paambe,Aasaikku Vayasillai,Chellakkili,Chittira Chevvanam,Disai Mariya Paravaigal,Imayam,Kama Sasthiram,Kizhakkum Merkum Sandikkindrana,Kuppathu Raja,Maayandi,Mahalakshmi,Mangalavadhhiyam,Needhikkumun Neeya Naana,Neela Malargal,Neelakkadalin Orrathile,Ninaithale Inikkum,Nool Veli,Ore Vaanam Ore Bhoomi,Porter Ponnusami,Sivappukal Mookuthhi,Sri Ramajayam,Suprabatham,Thirisoolam,Velli Radham.
  • 1980: Avan Aval Adhu,Azhaithhal Varuven,Bhama Rukmani,Billa,Bombai Mail,Deiveegaragangal,Deiveegaragangal,Dharma Raja,Engal Vathiyar,Geetha Oru Shenbagappoo,Ivargal Vidhhiyasamanavargal,Kaalam Badil Sollum,Mazhalai Pattalam,Megathukkum Dagam Undu,Oru Kai Osai,Oru Velladu Vengaiyagiradhu,Polladhavan,Ratha Paasam,Savithri,Sujatha,Varumayin Niram Sivappu,Viswaroopam.
  • 1981: 47 Natkal,Amarakaviyam,Anbulla Atthan,Andha 7 Naatkal,Arumbugal,Deiva Thirumanangal,Devi Dharisanam,Enga Ooru Kannagi,Kalthoon,Keezh Vaanam Sivakkum,Kudumbam Oru Kadambam,Kulakozhundhu,Lorry Driver Rajakannu,Maadi Veettu Ezhai,Mohana Punnagai,Nadhi Ondru Karai Moondru,Pattam Padavi,Rani,Ranuva Veeran,Sathya Sundharam,Savaal,Thanneer Thanneer,Thee,Thillu Mullu,Thiruppangal.
  • 1982:Agni Sakshi,Anu,Deviyin Thiruvilayadal,Erattai Manidhan,Garuda Sowkiyama,Hitler Umanath,Kanmani Poonga,Manal Kayiru,Murai Ponnu,Naan Kudhitthukonde Iruppen,Oorukku Oru Pillai,Oru Varisu Vuruvagiradhu,Paritchaikku Neramaachu,Pokkiri Raja,Sangili,Simla Special,Thambathyam Oru Sangeetham,Theerpu,Thyagi,Thunaivi,Vaa Kanna Vaa,Vadai Malai,Vasandhathil or Naal.
  • 1983: Brammacharigal,Dowry Kalyanam,Idhu Engga Naad,Miruthanga Chakravarthi,Naalu Perukku Nandri,Oru Indhiya Kanavu,Poikkal Kudhirai,Police Police,Sandhippu,Saranalayam,Silk Silk Silk,Sivappu Sooriyan,Sumangali,Thambadhigal,Unmaigal,Yamirukka Bayamen,Yuddha Kaandam.
  • 1984: Alaya Deepam,Iru Medhaigal,Nenjatthai Alli Thaa,Puyal Kadandha Boomi,Raja Thandhiram,Raja Veettu Kannukkutty,Sarithira Nayagan,Sirai,Siranjeevi,Tharasu,Thiruppam.
  • 1985: Ammavum Neeye Appavum Neeye,Aval Sumangalithan,Erimalai,Janani,Mookkanankayiru,Navagraha Nayagi,Nermai,Partha Gyabagam Illaiyo,Sugamana Raagangal,Unnai Vidamatten.
  • 1986: Aval Oru Thamizhachi,Deiva Magal,Jeeva Nadhi,Kanne Kaniyamudhe,Manakanakku,Meendum Pallavi,Mella Thirandhathu Kadhavu,Nambinar Keduvathillai,Nilave Malare,Sivappu Malargal,Vasantha Raagam.
  • 1987: Ilangeswaran,Kaalam Marudhu,Kadhai Kadhaiyam Karanamaam,Kootu Puzhukkal,Mupperum Deviyar,Neethikku Thandanai,Neram Nallayirukku,Sattam Oru Vilayaattu,Thaali Dhanam,Valayal Chattham,Velundu Vinaiyillai.
  • 1988: Oomaithurai,Sudandhira Nattin Adimaigal,Thannga Kalasam,Thappu Kanakku.
  • 1989: Dravidan,En Arumai Manaivi,Meenatchi Thiruvilayadal,Rajanadai,Rasatthi Kalyanam,Varam.
  • 1990: Eerikarai Poongaatre,Silambu.
  • 1991: Gnana Paravai,Irumbu Pookkal.
  • 1992: Jodi Sendhachhu,Neenga Nalla Irukkanum,Senthamizh Pattu.
  • 1993: Dhool Parakkudhu,Pathini Penn.
  • 1994: Senthamizh Selvan.
  • 1995: Engirundho Vandhan,Ilakkiya Solai,Manikandan Mahimai.
  • 1996: Vetri Vinayagar.
  • 1997: Om Saravana Bhava.
  • 2004: Vishwa Thulasi.
  • 2008:Valiban Sutrum Ulagam
  • 2013: Thillu Mullu,Suvadugal.

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