Mumbai, July 14 (IANS): Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore on Tuesday condoled the death of southern music composer M.S. Viswanathan.

Viswanathan, who has over 750 films to his credit, died at a private hospital in Chennai on Tuesday. MSV, as he was fondly called by the members of Tamil filmdom, was undergoing treatment at Fortis Malar hospital for old-age related ailments and breathing problem. He was 87.

"Sad to know abt the demise of music legend M S Viswanathan. His music compositions will keep him etched in people's memories forever. #RIPMSV," the minister tweeted on Tuesday.

MSV is survived by four sons and three daughters. His last rites will be performed on Wednesday.

Popular for composing music in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam industries, MSV started his career as a composer for 1952 film Tamil "Panam" starring Sivaji Ganeshan.

MSV was popular for his collaboration with fellow composer T.K. Ramamurthy. The duo composed music for 86 Tamil films during their association of over a decade.

Having started composing together in 1952, they split up in 1965. Some of their best films include "Paasamalara, "Sumaithaangi", "Server Sundaram", "Aayirathil Oruvan" and "Enga Veetu Pillai".

Post the separation, MSV went on to become more successful.

Viswanathan's solo hits include "Bama Vijayam", "Galatta Kalyanam", "Deivamagan", "Moondru Dheivangal", "Rickshawkaran", "Bharatha Vilas" and "Ulagam Sutrum Valiban".