Musician Anthony Gonsalves dies of pneumonia

Legendary music composer Anthony Gonsalves died at a hospital in Goa after a bout of pneumonia, family sources said today. The end came last night at the Goa Medical College and Hospital, where he was admitted and undergoing treatment. He was 84.

Anthony Gonsalves, who orchestrated music for several Hindi songs during the 50s and 60s contributed to hit films like Mahal, Naya Daur and Dillagi among others. The veteran musician was named as one of India's finest violinists in his time and worked with legends like SD Burman and Laxmikant-Pyarelal.

He left for Mumbai in 1943 as a child, when he played violin at the church in his village. Gonsalves later made a name for himself after he orchestrated music for songs like 'Jyoti Kalash Zhalke'. His musical arrangements in 'Hum aapki aankhon mein' in Pyaasa and 'Ayega aaane wala' in Mahal are considered among his best works.

Gonsalves became a household name after the 1977 film Amar Akbar Anthony, which featured Amitabh Bachchan singing "My name is Anthony Gonsalves", a song dedicated by Pyarelal to his real life 'guru'.

The music composer returned to his native place in Majorda in South Goa in 1983 and lived a life away from glory. His last rites would be conducted today as the family is awaiting the arrival of his son based in UK. He is survived by his daughter Laxmi, who is a painter by profession.