Sarathchandra Marathe, Hindustani musician who tutored many a performer and composed music for several Malayalam films, died at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, here, on Wednesday night. He was 84.
He had been in a critical state for the past one week and was battling for life with age-related diseases. The end came around 8 p.m.
Marathe, who stole the hearts of music buffs in the 70s, was a native of Maharashtra. Born to Raghunath Marathe and Janaki in 1929, the Hindustani aficionado migrated to Kozhikode in 1951. It was his association with artist Poomulli Raman Namboodiri from Shornur that inspired him to come to Kerala and establish his name. ‘Avivahitharude Swargam’ ‘Mayoora Varnangal,’ ‘Chanjattam’ and ‘Uppu’ were some of the films for which he composed the music. Though Marathe had several admirers in the city, he had been leading a miserable life recently. It was with the support of the district administration that the veteran composer got a house.
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Marathe is survived by his wife Maneesha. The cremation will be at the Mavoor Road crematorium on Thursday.