MS Viswanathan: The face of an unparalleled era of music

An entertainer across generations, Maniyanga Subramanian Viswanathan, popularly known as MSV -- an acronym that symbolised an old-world charm -- leaves behind a rich legacy of evergreen songs in various genres of music.

Be it the mellifluous melodies of the 1960s or the youthful numbers of the colourful 1980s, Viswanathan travelled through time and trends with ease, making him a relevant name through decades.

A rich portfolio that could make his rivals jealous, the 88-year-old music composer, who passed away on Tuesday, made almost all of the big heroes of Tamil cinema lipsync on his compositions. He also took to mic to sing several songs, some composed by him and others like Oscar-winner, A R Rahman.

Viswanathan, also known as "Mellisai Mannar" (King of light music), not only captured great heights with his music but also inspired many.

Tamil lyricist late Vaali, who was a legend of his own times, recalled how during his initial years of struggle MSV's music in "Mayakkama Kalakkama" song helped him avoid suicidal tendencies. He moved through genres easily in music be it the solemn sense of national pride in his invocation to Mother Tamil in "Neerarum Kadaludutha," or the blissful romance in the super hit song "Kalangalil Aval Vasantham".

The immensely popular bridal song of "Vaarayen Thozhi Varayo Mana Pandal Kana Varayo," (welcoming the bride) was a brilliant subtle expression of marital bliss tinged with youthful fun and become a part of marriage ceremonies. His "Ninaippathellam Nadanthuvittal" from "Nenjil Oru Aalayam" is memorable for the deep sense of solace it offered to wounded hearts.

The great success of "Ninaithaley Inikkum" (that featured Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth) in the 1980's, stands as a testimony for his musical brilliance as Viswanathan proved that he could reinvent himself even in the face of stiff competition. It was a period when maestro Ilayaraja reigned supreme in Tamil Nadu with his music.

Though MSV did not have a formal training in Carnatic or Western music, his deep knowledge in such music schools was astounding.

"He brilliantly brought in Western music with a deep base of Carnatic music in the Ammamma Keladi Thozhi set in Charukesi raga," said D Thiagarajan, music researcher told PTI.

Eminent Carnatic musician Nityashree Mahadevan in her tributes said, "He was a Guru to many, his music will continue to reform generations of youngsters."

Viswanathan also collaborated with younger musicians like Ilayaraja, junior to him several years and his son Yuvan (also a music composer) and Rahman.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the demise of veteran music composer Viswanathan. 

"The unfortunate demise of Shri M S Viswanathan is a major loss to music lovers. People across generations enjoyed his compositions. When it came to music, M S Shri Viswanathan was always ahead of his time. Condolences to his family and his several admirers," the Prime Minister said.

​Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa expressed regret that the musician was deprived of the prestigious Padma awards despite she herself making pleas since 1991.

 "I have been recommending with the Centre since 1991 that he be presented with the Padma award but the Central governments, which have not done anything in favour of Tamil Nadu, did not heed this," she said in a statement.

Jayalalithaa said that MSV, as Viswanathan was fondly addressed, was hailed as the 'King of Melody' and remained a legend in Tamil cinema

"Above all, he had composed the tune for 'Neeradum Kadaludutha' (the Tamil salutation song played in all government functions), and his songs are etched in the hearts of Tamil people," she said, adding he was at ease playing the piano, harmonium and keyboard. The Chief Minister, a yesteryear actor, recalled she had sung songs, including the hit 'O meri dilruba' in the Tamil film 'Suriyagandhi' besides others for which he had set the tunes. It would 'not be an exaggeration' to say that his songs still continue to be popular among people, she added.