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Well-known southern film music composer M.S. Viswanathan died at a private hospital in Chennai this morning. He was 87.

MSV, as he's fondly called by the members of Tamil filmdom, had been undergoing treatment at Fortis Malar hospital for old-age related ailments and breathing problem.

Though he had showed signs of recovery after initial treatment and was almost ready to be taken back home, his condition deteriorated last week.

He breathed his last at 4.15 am on Tuesday.

Watch Video: Legendary Music Director MS Viswanathan Dies

Emperor of Cine Music

Popular for composing music in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam film industries, MSV has over 750 films to his credit.

He started his career as composer for 1952 film Tamil "Panam" starring Sivaji Ganeshan.

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

View Gallery: Kollywood Mourns the Loss of MS Viswanathan

Having started composing together in 1952, they split up in 1965. Some of their best films include "Paasamalar", "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", "Rickshawkarana, "Bharatha Vilas" and "Ulagam Sutrum Valibana.

Popularly known as 'king of light music' (Mellisai Mannar), Vishwanathan has also worked in Malayalam films such as "Manthrakodi", "Babu Mon", "Ullasa Yathra" and "Amme Anupame".

In Telugu, his compositions include "Tenali Ramakrishna", "Anthuleni Kathaa, "Idhi Katha Kaadu", "Aakali Rajyam" and "Maro Charitra".

MSV and legendary filmmaker K. Balachander combination has produced several evergreen classics.

Viswanathan's wife Janaki died in 2012. A year later, his best friend and composer T.K. Ramamurthy breathed his last.

He is a recipient of Kalamamani and several other music awards.

(With inputs from agencies)