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

SP Venkatesh Passes Away At 70: The legendary music composer, who is best known for his illustrious work in the Malayalam film industry, is no more. Reportedly, SP Venkatesh breathed his last at his Chennai residence, after suffering a heart attack. His last rites are expected to be held on Alapakkam, Chennai on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

SP Venkatesh Passes Away: All About The Legendary Composer

The veteran musician, who has been considered as one of the most iconic composers worked in Malayalam cinema, was a part of the industry's golden phase in the 1980s and 1990s. SP Venkatesh entered the film industry as a guitarist in 1971, with the veteran music composer Vijaya Bhaskar. He later became an assistant music director in Kannada cinema, in 1975.

Premayuddha, the 1981-released Telugu film marked SP Venkatesh's debut as an independent music director. During his stint as an assistant music director and guitarist, he worked in the Malayalam film industry with icons like Raghavan Master and others. His worked as AP Ummar's assistant in Mohanlal starrer TP Balagopalan M.A, and went on to composer the background score for the film.

Later, SP Venkatesh made his official Malayalam cinema debut with the Mohanlal starrer Rajavinte Makan, by composing the iconic songs from the film. After the major success of the film, he went to compose music for some of the most popular Mohanlal films of the 1990s, including Bhoomiyile Rajakkanmar, Douthyam, No.20 Madras Mail, Kilukkam, and more.

The legendary composer also composed the iconic background score for the blockbuster film Devasuram. SP Venkatesh also teamed up with Mammootty for many yesteryear blockbusters including Kauravar, Johny Walker, Kuttettan, Dhurvam, and many more. His other celebrated films in Malayalam cinema include Kabooliwala, Valsalyam, Paithrukam, Minnaram, Kashmeeram, Mannar Mathai Speaking, Chandralekha, Hitler, Lelam, and many more.