Renowned Malayalam music composer MK Arjunan, fondly called as Arjunan master, passed away at his home in Kochi, Kerala on Monday. He was 85. His death comes with age-related ailments, according to reports.

Having composed over 700 songs in over 200 films, Arjunan master is regarded as the master of evergreen melody in Malayalam films. Some of his famous songs include 'Thankabasmakuriyitta Thamburatti', 'Chettikulangara Bharaninallil', ‘Yadukula rathidevane vide’, ‘Kasthoori manakkunnallo kaatte’, ‘Nin maniyarayile’, ‘Chandrarashmi than’ and many more.

After composing for several plays, Arjunan Master made his debut in 1968 with the movie ‘Karutha Pournami’. He had also composed around 800 songs for 300 plays. After 50 years since he began his career, the veteran composer won his first state award for the best music composer for his work in director Jayaraj’s 'Bhayanakam' in 2018.

According to reports, he was also among the first persons to identify and promote the talent of AR Rahman, who had played the keyboard for him in the movie 'Adimachangala' (1981).