Veteran music director SP Venkatesh, who predominantly worked in Malayalam cinema, passed away in Chennai on Tuesday. The 70-year-old's funeral will be held tomorrow in Alapakkam, Chennai.

SP Venkatesh began his musical career in the late 60s by being part of the orchestra in many Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada films. He made his independent debut in 1981 with the Telugu film Prema Yuddha.

He was one of the most sought-after composers in Malayalam during the 80s and 90s, frequently collaborating with the likes of Dennis Joseph, Thampi Kannanthanam, and Joshiy. Some of his most popular songs came in films like Rajavinte Makan, Kilukkam, Johnnie Walker, Dhruvam, Valsalyam, Kabooliwala, Minnaram, Mannar Mathai Speaking, and Spadikam.

He also handled the background score in iconic films like No 20 Madras Mail, Devaasuram, Chandralekha, Vazhunnor, Kakkakuyil, and Runway. He won the Kerala State Film Award in 1993 for Best Music Director for his work in Paithrukam and Janam.

SP Venkatesh has also worked as a music director in several Tamil, Kannada, Hindi, and Bengali films.