Wednesday Dec 30 2009, Bangalore

Composer C Ashwath is dead

C Ashwath (71), one of the stalwarts of Kannada film music, passed away at Bengaluru. He died on December 29, his 71st birthday. His well wishers had planned a musical event on the same day to wish him a speedy recovery.

Ashwath, who had composed music for nearly 28 films, was very popular as a singer-composer. He debuted as a composer with Nagabharana's 'Shishunaaala Sheriff'. He had set the background score and music for several Kannada plays also. He had also written books on music.

His death has shocked the film industry, which had held him in high esteem. People belonging to different walks of life paid glowing tributes to the multi-faceted genius.