CHENNAI: Renowned music director KJ Joy, who contributed many hits to the Malayalam film industry in the eighties, has passed away. He died in Chennai around 2.30 am on Monday. He was 77 years old. KJ Joy was born on 14th June 1946 at Nellikunnu in Thrissur district.

Accordion and keyboard were extensively used in Malayalam cinema under KJ Joy's music direction. He has done music direction in about 200 films. He has also worked as an assistant in more than 500 films for various music directors. His first music direction was for the film "Love Letter" which was released in 1975. KJ Joy also composed the hit song 'En Swaram Poovidum'. He will be cremated in Chennai on Wednesday.

He died early today while undergoing treatment due to stroke for some time. Joy made his introduction to music by playing the violin in the church choir. At the age of eighteen, he joined the orchestra of renowned composer MS Viswanathan. Joy has also directed music for around twelve Hindi films.

He has composed music for many films such as Love Letter, Chandanachola, Aradhana, Ivanente Priyaputhran, Ahalya, Lisa, Mukkuvane Snehicha Bhootham, Anupallavi, Sarpam, Tharangam, Sakthi, Chandrahasam, Makaravilak, Manushya Mrugam, Muthuchippikal, Ithisham, Karimpoocha, Rajavembala, Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu and many more.