Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has expressed shock and grief over the death of veteran music composer and singer Deva, remembering him for the folk songs that connected with ordinary people and his lasting contribution to Tamil cinema.

In a condolence message, Vijay, who worked with Deva during his acting career, said the composer’s music would remain part of film history. Deva, popularly known as ‘Thenisai Thendral’, died in Chennai on Saturday, October 17, aged 75. 

Vijay said Deva had composed music for more than 400 films across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada cinema. He also noted that the composer wrote and sang several folk songs himself and had received numerous honours, including the Kalaimamani award.

Describing Deva’s death as an irreplaceable loss to Tamil cinema, the Chief Minister offered his condolences to the composer’s family, friends, colleagues in the film industry and music lovers.

Deva was admitted to Surya Hospital in Chennai at around 8:30 am on Saturday after reportedly experiencing chest pain. According to media reports, doctors attempted to revive him, but he died at the hospital. 

Born Devanesan Chokkalingam on November 20, 1950, Deva built a career spanning nearly four decades. He became one of Tamil cinema’s prominent composers, particularly recognised for bringing Chennai’s gaana music into mainstream film soundtracks.

His compositions featured in several popular films, including ‘Annamalai’, ‘Baashha’, ‘Aasai’, ‘Kadhal Kottai’, ‘Ninaithen Vandhai’, ‘Priyamudan’, ‘Vaalee’ and ‘Kushi’.

Deva’s musical association with Vijay

Deva also composed music for several films starring Vijay during the actor’s early career. Their collaborations included ‘Rasigan’ (1994), ‘Vishnu’ (1995), ‘Maanbumigu’ ‘Maanavan’ (1996), ‘Kaalamellam Kaathiruppen’ (1997), ‘Priyamudan’ (1998) and ‘Kushi’ (2000).

The soundtracks featured songs that became familiar to Tamil film audiences. Vijay also sang in Deva’s soundtracks, including “Bombay City” from ‘Rasigan’ and “Mowriya” from ‘Priyamudan’. Deva’s music for ‘Kushi’, which starred Vijay and Jyothika, included popular tracks such as “Mottu Ondru”, “Megham Karukkudhu” and “Kattipudi Kattipudida”.

Deva is survived in his musical legacy by his son, composer Srikanth Deva, while his brothers Sabesh and Murali also worked in the film music industry.