M. S. Viswanathan

Manayangath Subramanian Viswanathan (24 June 1928 – 14 July 2015), also known as M.S.V., was an Indian music director, singer and actor who predominantly worked in Tamil film industry. He was popularly known as Mellisai Mannar (Tamil for "Melody King"). He composed songs for more than 800 Indian films and various albums.[2][3] across languages primarily in Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu films. He has also acted and sung in a few Tamil films.[4][5] The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu J Jayalalithaa conferred the Thirai Isai Chakravarthy (Tamil for "The Emperor of Cine Music") title on him in August 2012[6] and presented him with 60 gold coins and a new car.[7][8]

M.S.Viswanathan
Born
Manayangath Subramanian Viswanathan

(1928-06-24)24 June 1928
Elappully Village, Palghat Taluk, Malabar District, Madras Presidency, British India (modern-day Palakkad District, Kerala, India)
Died14 July 2015(2015-07-14) (aged 87)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Other namesM.S.V. Mellisai Mannar, Melody King
OccupationFilm score composer; singer; actor; music director
Years active1940–2015
Spouse(s)Yezhuvath Janaki (m.1951–2012)
(until her death)
Children7
Parent(s)
  • Manayangath Subramanian
  • Manayangath Narayani
[1]
Musical career
InstrumentsVocals (playback singing), keyboard/harmonium/piano
Websitemsvtimes.com

Viswanathan composed film music together with composer and violinist T. K. Ramamoorthy from the 1950s to 1965, as Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy[9] for 100 Films.He independently composed for 700 films from 1965 to 2015.

Life

M S Viswanathan was born on 24 June 1928 to Manayangath Subramanian and Narayani ("Narayanikutty" or "Naanikutty") in Elappully village in Palakkad, Kerala, India (Then in Malabar district, Madras province, British India). His father died when Viswanathan was four years old, and his mother decided to kill him, his sister and herself as an escape from abject poverty and lack of support. He was saved at the last minute by his grandfather.[10][11] His grandfather Krishnan Nair was a warden at the central jail of Kannur.[12] After death of his father, his family moved from Palakkad to Kannur to stay with his jailor uncle.[13] As a child, he sold refreshments in a movie theatre without any pay, so he could listen to the music in the films. He had a part in the film Kannagi produced by Jupiter Pictures.[10][14]

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.[10] He later gave his first stage performance in Trivandrum at the age of 13.[15] He worked as an office boy for Jupiter Pictures in the 1940s, earning Rs 3 per month.[10]

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.[16] She was 77 when she died.

He is known to have looked after his original Guru, S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, when the latter fell into financial difficulties and then continued to look after his wife until her death.As a rare human approach, M. S. Viswanathan, looked after his friend J. P. Chandrababu, the great Comedian and Singer of Tamil films, when the latter fell into financial ruins. Chandrababu stayed the last few years of his life in the house of M. S. Viswanathan, and as per the request of Chandrababu, MSV arranged his rites when he died in March 1974.

Career

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.[17] T. G. Lingappa also became a renowned music composer on his own in the 1950s.

Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy
Main article: Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy

In 1952, C. R. Subburaman died unexpectedly. Ramamoorthy and Viswanathan joined together and completed the background music for the films Subburaman was working on, including Devadas, Chandirani and Marumagal. N. S. Krishnan knew them both fairly intimately and also their respective talents by then because of his close relationship with C.R.Subburaman, with whom he had worked earlier in several films.[17] Meanwhile, Viswanathan also worked as the third composer for the film Genova where the other composers were M.S Gnanamani and T.K.Kalyanam.[18] M.G.Ramachandran, the hero of the film Genova, had reservations about the 'raw, young music director' but the reservations lasted only till he listened to the songs. M.G.Ramachandran instantly recognised the arrival of a genius and the relationship lasted till the end of his career as a hero in 1977.[14] Viswanathan and Ramamoorthy were asked to write the music for Panam, a 1952 film produced by A. L. Seenivasan and directed by N. S. Krishnan. Later the duo was asked to do the background score for the film Ratha Kanneer by its music composer C. S. Jayaraman.[17]

The duo composed music for over 100 films, and they worked together from 1952 to 1965.[19]

On 16 June 1963 at a special function M. S. Viswanathan and T. K. Ramamoorthy were each given the title of Mellisai Mannar(Kings of the Light Music).[20] It was granted by Sivaji Ganesan at the Madras Triplicane Cultural Academy. The function was supported and facilitated by the Hindu Group of Publications, especially Mr. T. M. Ramachandran, Director C. V. Sridhar and Chitralaya Gopu.

The duo parted in 1965 after release of Ayirathil Oruvan and since then they composed for films individually. After 29 years, they rejoined in 1995 for the Tamil film Engirundho Vanthan starring Sathyaraj.[21]

P. Susheela received her first National Award as Best Singer in 1969 for the song "Paal Polave" composed by MSV in the film Uyarndha Manidhan. Immediately after recording the song, MSV was so happy, he said to P. Susheela that she would be acclaimed as the Best Singer for the National Award for this song.

The duo Viswanathan Ramamoorthy were awarded an honorary doctorate by the Sathyabama Deemed University in September 2006.[22]

J. Jayalalithaa, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, conferred the title Thirai Isai Chakravarthy (Emperors of the Cine Music) on Viswanathan and Ramamoorthy in August 2012[6] and presented them with 60 gold coins and a new car.[7][8]

Viswanathan Ramamoorthy duo were the first musicians to arrange a stage performance of the film singers and live orchestra in India. Until then only traditional Carnatic music and Hindustani classical music was performed live in any function. This became a trend setter and paved the way not only for the birth of many musical troops, but also for knowing, understanding and learning about the western instruments among millions of Indians.

Independent music director

M. S. Viswanathan began his solo career in 1965.[23] 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.[23][24] 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.[25] He performed songs such as Sollathan Ninaikiren, Inbathilum Thunbathilun Sirithidu Magaley, Yenakkoru Kaathalai Irukindral, Sangamam and Vidaikodu Engal Nadey.[26]

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".

His notable musical works from 1980s to 1990s included - Polladhavan, Avan Aval Adhu, Billa, Mazhalai Pattalam, Varumayin Niram Sigappu (1980), Antha Ezhu Natkal (1981), Kizhvanam Sivakkam (1981), Thaneer Thaneer (1981), Thillu Mullu (1981), Sathyam Sundaram (1981), Simla Special (1982), Pokkiri Raja (1982), Saranalayam (1983), Mridanga Chakravarthi (1983), Puyalkadantha Boomi (1984),Idanilangal (1985), Sugamana Ragangal, Vasantha Ragam (1986), Sattam Oru Vilayattu (1987),Samrat Ashok (1992),Manikantana Mahime (1993), Vetri Vinayagar (1996), Amma Ammayiamma (1998)

M. S. Vishwanathan went on to act in Tamil feature films after 1995, notably appearing in Kaadhal Mannan after being convinced to do so by actor Vivek 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 like Kalki, since 1995.[27]

Since 1996, Viswanathan focused on composing devotional music and serving as a judge in Malayalam and Tamil TV reality shows. He collaborated with Ilaiyaraaja 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.[28] 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.[29] He in 2013 composed music for the film Thillu Mullu, with Yuvan Shankar Raja[30] While M. S. Viswanathan composed the tunes in the 2013 Thillu Mullu film, Yuvan Shankar Raja orchestrated and recorded them.[31] He sang the song 'Saami Namba saami' penned by Snehan for the film "Mannar Valaikuda", composed by S.Siva Pragasam.[32][33]

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."[34]

Filmography
Main article: M. S. Viswanathan discography

Death

On 27 June 2015, Viswanathan was admitted to Fortis Malar hospital in Chennai with breathing difficulties.[35] 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.[36] 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.[37] 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

M. S. Viswanathan has won many awards include the following:

References
  1. "Mellisai Mannar M S Viswanathan". Lakshman Sruthi. Retrieved 13 March 2012.
  2. "M.S.Viswanathan – "Mellisai Mannar" ("The King of Light Music")". msviswanathan.com. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
  3. "Music composer MS Viswanathan passes away : Tamil Nadu, News - India Today". indiatoday.intoday.in. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
  4. "Music legend M S Viswanathan passes away". oneindia.com. 14 July 2015. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  5. "Legendary music director M S Viswanathan passes away". rediff.com. 14 July 2015. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  6. "Amma confers title of Thiraiyisai Chakravarthy on legendary MSV". ChennaiOnline. 30 August 2012. Archived from the original on 27 September 2013.
  7. "CM confers Thirai Isai Chakravarthy on MSV". The New Indian Express. 30 August 2012.
  8. "After Padma snub, Jaya says one day Centre will listen". The Indian Express. 31 August 2012.
  9. Vamanan, Mellisai Mannargal Paattu Payanam
  10. "Veteran musician M.S. Viswanathan passes away". The Hindu. 14 July 2015. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  11. "#RIPMSV: King of Light Music MS Viswanathan dies". Hindustan Times. 14 July 2015. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  12. https://m.timesofindia.com/city/chennai/MSV-The-world-was-his-music/articleshow/48116685.cms
  13. "An ode to the master of experimentation". The Times of India. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
  14. "Music composer MS Viswanathan passes away". Indiatoday.in. 14 July 2015. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  15. 'ஜுபிடர்' பட நிறுவனத்தில் 'ஆபீஸ் பாய்' வேலை பார்த்த எம்.எஸ்.விஸ்வநாதன்!, archived version retrieved 27 September 2014 (in Tamil)
  16. "Musician M S Viswanathan's wife passes away - News18". ibnlive.com. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
  17. Kings of Light Melody. Sport and Pastime. p. 384.
  18. 'ஜெனோவா' படத்திற்கு எம்.எஸ்.வி. இசை அமைப்பு: முதலில் எதிர்த்த எம்.ஜி.ஆர்., பிறகு பாராட்டினார், archived version retrieved 27 September 2014 (in Tamil)
  19. "Well-known Tamil film music director M. S. Viswanathan passes away". 14 July 2015. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  20. "Veteran Tamil film music composer T K Ramamurthy is no more". The Indian Express. 17 April 2013. Retrieved 12 June 2013.
  21. "Ninety, and bowing away!". 8 November 2012. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  22. "Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Honorary doctorates for seven eminent personalities". The Hindu. 4 September 2006. Retrieved 6 March 2012.
  23. "From classical melodies to disco generation: 'King of Music' MS Viswanathan's legend will live on". 14 July 2015. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  24. "MSV: Master of melodies". 14 July 2015. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  25. "MSV day be declared Music day". Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  26. "Composer M.S. Viswanathan, the doyen of Tamil music world dies". 14 July 2015. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  27. "Not only your music, even your performances will remain close to our hearts MSV sir". 14 July 2015. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  28. "MSV created recurring magic in Tamil film music: A. R. Rahman". The Hindu. Special Correspondent. 15 July 2015. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 10 June 2018.CS1 maint: others (link)
  29. Raghavan, Nikhil (2 July 2016). "MSV's last song". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 10 June 2018.
  30. "Thillu Mullu 2 with Yuvan & MSV's music". Indiaglitz. 20 August 2012.
  31. Nikhil Raghavan (1 June 2013). "Classic gets a new twist". The Hindu.
  32. The legendary MSV's juggernaut continues, M S Viswanathan, Yuvan Shankar Raja. Behindwoods.com (29 April 2013).
  33. MSV in demand – Times Of India. The Times of India. (30 April 2013).
  34. "MS Viswanathan was behind success of MGR, Sivaji: Rajinikanth | Zee News". Zee News. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
  35. "M S Viswanathan Death". Telangana News Paper.
  36. "King of Film Music MS Viswanathan Passes Away". The New Indian Express.
  37. "MS Viswanathan cremated at Besant Nagar". The Times of India. Retrieved 10 June 2018.
  38. "Lifetime Achievement Award (South) winners down the years..." Filmfare. Retrieved 16 July 2015.
  39. Gudipoodi Srihari (4 October 2013). "Befitting a legend". The Hindu.
  40. "Honorary doctorate for veteran musician M S Viswanathan". The Times of India. TNN. 10 January 2013.
  41. "Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Honorary doctorates for seven eminent personalities". The Hindu. 4 September 2006. Retrieved 13 March 2012.
  42. VM Sathish. "Mammotty, Kavya Madhavan bag Asiavision awards". Emirates 24-7. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016.
  43. "TN Govt. announces Tamil Film Awards for six years". The Hindu. 14 July 2017.

Elappully Mourns - MSV's early Life - The Hindu

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