M. K. Athmanathan

M. K. Athmanathan (1925 – 15 July 2013 ) was a music director and lyricist in Tamil cinema. He was honoured by the Tamil Nadu government with the Kalaimamani award in 1978.

Early life Born in the village Valliyoor in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, India. He started life as a goldsmith but his interest in The arts made him to join the drama troupe of T. K. Shanmugam at the age of 11.

Career He entered the Tamil cinema in 1954 with the film Ratha Pasam as its music director. He also wrote 3 songs for the film.

He scored music for 20 films and penned lyrics for more than 120 songs.

Career He married Thanlakshmi, they has two daughters (Madhavi & Amutha) and one son Elangovan.

Filmography As music director

Ratha Pasam (1954) Naalu Veli Nilam (1959) Malliyam Mangalam (1961)

As lyricist

Ratha Pasam (1954) Maheswari (1955) Amara Deepam (1956) Kula Deivam (1956) Raja Rani (1956) Rangoon Radha (1956) Mallika (1957) Pudhaiyal (1957) Nadodi Mannan (1958) Thedi Vandha Selvam (1958) Thirumanam (1958) Naalu Veli Nilam (1959) Naatukoru Nallaval (1959) Kalathur Kannamma (1960) Petra Manam (1960) Thilakam (1960) Malliyam Mangalam (1961) Naaga Nandhini (1961) Nallavan Vazhvan (1961) Thirudathe (1961) Muthu Mandapam (1962) Vikramadhithan 1962) Ethaiyum Thangum Ithaiyam (1962) Alli (1964) Kathal Paduthum Padu (1966) - 1 song

Death Athmanathan died on 15 July 2013 at the age of 88.