Chennai: Renowned music director SP Venkatesh (70), who won the hearts of Malayalis with his evergreen songs, passed away on Tuesday. He died at his residence in Chennai following a heart attack. He made his debut in 1985 with the film Janakeeya Kodathi and rose to prominence with Rajavinte Makan. The songs and background score of the film were embraced by fans and remain close to their hearts.

He later composed songs and background music for several hit films, earning the reputation of a superhit music director. His notable works include Vazhiyorakkazhchakal, Bhoomiyile Rajakkanmar, Indrajalam, Nadodi, Manthrikam, Thudar Katha, Douthyam, Dhruvam, Mahayanam, Kauravar, Johnny Walker, Desadanakkilikal Karayarilla, Kilukkam, Devasuram, Vaatsalyam, Kabooliwala, Paithrukam, Sainyam, Minnaram, Kashmeeram, Sphadikam, Mannar Mathai Speaking, among many others.

He also worked in Tamil, Kannada, Bengali, and Hindi films. In 1999, he composed nine songs in a single day for the Tamil film Idhu Mudivillai. His last work as a music director was for the film Vellappam. In 1993, SP Venkatesh won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Music Director for the films Paithrukam and Janam.