Renowned music director SP Venkatesh, celebrated for immortalizing Malayalam cinema with timeless hits, died on February 3, 2026, at his Chennai home from a heart attack. The 70-year-old maestro leaves an indelible legacy through over 150 films and 500 songs across multiple languages.
Illustrious Career Highlights
Born March 5, 1955, in Tamil Nadu, Venkatesh mastered mandolin at age three, following father Pazhani’s footsteps, before guitar and assisting legends Raveendran and AT Ummer. His Telugu debut came with Premayudha in 1981, but Malayalam stardom exploded via Mohanlal’s Rajavinte Makan in 1986, directed by Thampi Kannanthanam.
He dominated 1985-2000 with chartbusters in Kilukkam, Sphadikam, Minnaram, Hitler, Kabooliwala, Vatsalyam, and more; iconic background scores graced Appu, Devasuram, Mahayanam. Frequent collaborator Gireesh Puthenchery penned his lyrics, while KS Chithra voiced the most tracks.
Evergreen Hits Legacy
Venkatesh gifted generations melodies like Kunjikkiliye Koodevide, Kilukil Pambaram (Kilukkam), Meenavenalil, Ootyppattanam, Shanthamee Rathriyil, Muthumanithooval, Kanakanilave Thuyilunaru, Pathirakkili Varu, and Kabooliwala Naadodi—ensuring his music endures in hearts forever. Ventures into Tamil, Kannada, Bengali, and Hindi expanded his footprint.
Malayalam cinema mourns a giant whose simple yet soul-stirring compositions defined an era, with fans and industry icons paying heartfelt tributes today.
