SP Venkatesh Passes Away At 70: All You Need To Know About The Celebrated Malayalam Music Composer

Celebrated Malayalam music composer SP Venkatesh passed away at the age of 70 in Chennai, marking the end of a significant chapter in South Indian cinema. Known for his moving background scores, Venkatesh played

a crucial role in shaping Malayalam film music during the late 1980s and 1990s. While he worked across several Indian languages, his most contributions were in Malayalam cinema. A frequent collaborator of director Priyadarshan, Venkatesh delivered numerous evergreen soundtracks that continue to resonate with audiences even decades later.

Who Is SP Venkatesh? Celebrated Malayalam Music Composer Who Passed At 70

SP Venkatesh was born into a musical family, Venkatesh’s father Pazhani was a noted mandolin player. This exposure to music shaped his understanding of instruments such as the guitar and mandolin, which later became part of his compositions. Venkatesh began his professional journey in the early 1970s as a guitarist before working as an assistant music director to popular composers like Shyam, Raveendran, Raghavan Master, and AT Ummar. He also spent time working in Kannada cinema and made his debut as an independent composer in the Telugu film industry.

His major breakthrough in Malayalam cinema came with Thampi Kannanthanam’s Rajavinte Makan. The film turned into a commercial success and played a key role in establishing Mohanlal as a superstar. Its soundtrack, particularly the song Vinnile Gandharava Veenakal brought Venkatesh widespread recognition.

SP Venkatesh's Legacy

SP Venkatesh enjoyed successful association with director Priyadarshan, emerging as one of his most frequent collaborators. Together, they created memorable soundtracks for films such as Kilukkam, Minnaram, Kabooliwala, Vandanam, and Kaalapani In addition to Priyadarshan, Venkatesh worked directors Joshiy, Dennis Joseph, and Thampi Kannanthanam, delivering both chart-topping songs.

Venkatesh won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Music Director for Paithrukam and Janam. For fans, his music continues to live on, through his songs.