Today, as we celebrate the 96th birth anniversary of M.S. Viswanathan, fondly known as MSV, we reflect on the extraordinary legacy left behind by one of Tamil cinema’s greatest music composers. MSV, also called the “King Of Light Music,” passed away on July 14 2015, leaving behind a legacy of soulful music and incomparable melodies.
MSV’s musical journey began early in life, selling refreshments in a movie theatre to afford listening to music and watching performances. His musical talent was discovered by his teacher Neelakanta, who overheard MSV playing the harmonium and singing to himself, marking the beginning of his musical education. He performed publicly for the first time at the age of 13 and started his career as an office boy at Jupiter Pictures, where he cleaned instruments for a monthly wage of Rs 3. Initially more inclined towards acting, MSV’s focus shifted to music after joining a theatre troupe, where he met violinist T.K. Ramamoorthy, forging a musical partnership that would shape Tamil film music history.
In his illustrious career spanning over four decades, he composed music for over 750 southern films, predominantly in Tamil. Born on June 24, 1928, to Manayangath Subramanian and Narayanikutty in Kerala, MSV made his showbiz debut as a child artiste in Kannagi. He once recounted to his biographer that his mother had contemplated ending their lives to escape abject poverty and lack of support after his father’s death, but they were saved by their grandfather.
Pachai Maram Ondru – From the movie Ramu
Ramu” is a 1966 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by A.C. Tirulokchandar and written by Javar N. Seetharaman. The film stars Gemini Ganesh and K.R. Vijaya, with Ashokan, Nagesh, V.K. Ramasamy, O.A.K. Thevar, and Master Rajkumar in supporting roles. The music for the film was composed by the maestro MS Viswanathan.
Pachaikili – From the movie Ulagam Sutrum Valiban
“Thathai polae Thaavum paavai Paatham nogum endru
Methai polae poovai thoovum Vaadai kaatrum undu”
Aval Oru Navarasa Nadagam – From the Movie Ulagam Sutrum Valiban
“Maragadha malar vidum poongodi
Mazhalai koorum paingili..ee…
Maragadha malar vidum poongodi
Mazhalai koorum paingili”
Naan Pollathavan – From the Movie Pollathavan
Deivam Thandha Veedu – From the Movie Aval Oru Thodarkadhai
Let us join together in honoring the extraordinary life and musical genius of MS. Viswanathan. His unparalleled contributions to the world of music have enriched our lives and left an indelible mark on Tamil cinema. As we remember him on this special day, may his melodies continue to inspire and uplift us, ensuring that his legacy remains eternal.
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