KOCHI: Noted music director M K Arjunan died Monday early morning. He was 84. He had composed many evergreen songs. He breathed his last at 3.30 am this morning at his residence Parvathy Mandiram at Palluruthy in Kochi.

He tuned music for more than 600 films in over 200 films. He started his career by composing music for theatre and then became active in films by composing music for Karutha Pourni in 1968.

He received state government’s award for best music director for his song ‘Enne Nokki’ in Bhayanakam directed by Jayaraj in 2017.

He composed music for KPAC and Thiruvananthapuram Souparnika this year.

Arjunan Master won the hearts of Keralites through his song Manathin Muttathu Mazhavillal Azhaketti from Karutha Pournami. There won’t be any Keralite who have not hummed his famous songs like Kasthuri Manakkunnallo Katte, Thankabasmakuriyitta Thamburatti, Chettikulangara Bharaninallil etc.

He first composed music for the play Pallikuttam. A R Rahman first played keyboard under Arjunan Master. He was the first to notice the talent of Rahman.

Arjunan Master had worked with great composers like Devarajan Master, Vayalar, P Bhaskaran, ONV etc.

One his famous tunes Chembakathaikal Poothal is one of the best love songs. He has a history of winning the award for best music director 15 times in the drama category.