Celebrities pay last respects; no one from Tamil Nadu cabinet or Kerala government; SP Venkatesh's funeral held at Chennai

CHENNAI: Farewell to music director SP Venkatesh, who gave heart-touching melodies to Malayalam. The funeral was held at the electric crematorium in Porur, Chennai, at 4:30 pm. Venkatesh's younger son V Sukumar performed his last rites. The funeral was held after a public homage at his residence in Alpackkam, Chennai.

Actor Jayaram, music director Sarath, singers Sujatha Mohan and Rakesh Brahmanandan paid their last respects. A wreath from singer Yesudas was laid. No government representatives came to pay their respects to S.P. Venkatesh, who received recognition including the Kerala Government Film Award. No one from the Tamil Nadu cabinet came.

No government representatives came to pay their respects to SP Venkatesh, who received recognition including the Kerala Government Film Award. No one from the Tamil Nadu cabinet came.

Farewell with a heavy heart: Mohanlal

Actor Mohanlal recalled how many songs and background music filled with the magical touch of SPV we have cherished. "He composed music and background music for many of my hit films. I was also lucky enough to sing two songs that he composed. Farewell to him with a heavy heart."

"The curtain fell on a melodious era. His character was as pleasing as his melodies. It is also a memorable fact that among the songs that won me the State Award is S.P. Venkatesh's 'Ponmekhame' - K.S. Chitra

"I was lucky to be able to sing his songs - M.G. Sreekumar