The Tamil film industry is mourning the death of veteran music composer Deva, popularly known as ‘Thenisai Thendral’. Superstar Rajinikanth visited the composer’s residence in Chennai on Saturday to pay his last respects, while Kamal Haasan, Khushbu Sundar and Vijay Sethupathi took to social media to remember the musician and his contribution to Tamil cinema.

Deva died in Chennai on October 17, aged 75. He was known for composing music for more than 400 films across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada cinema, and for bringing Chennai’s gaana music to a wider film audience. His death has prompted tributes from actors, political leaders and members of the music fraternity. 

Kamal Haasan remembers his work with Deva

Kamal Haasan shared a personal tribute, recalling the time he spent working with Deva on films including ‘Avvai Shanmugi’, ‘Pammal K Sambandam’ and ‘Panchathanthiram’.

Also Read: The breeze that carried the superstar: Remembering Deva and his Rajinikanth years 

Calling the news of his “dear brother” Deva’s death shocking, Kamal remembered him as a lively person who brought enthusiasm, humour and laughter to those around him.

He said memories of their time working together had come rushing back and offered his condolences to the composer’s family.

Actor Khushbu Sundar expressed disbelief at Deva’s passing, saying she had met him just 10 days earlier. In her social media post, she remembered a man who had been healthy, cheerful and generous with his blessings when they last met.

Khushbu also reflected on the meaning behind his popular title, ‘Thenisai Thendral’, describing Deva as a warm and light-hearted person whose contribution to music and cinema was immense. She ended her message by saying he would be deeply missed.

Vijay Sethupathi pays tribute to the veteran composer

Vijay Sethupathi also shared his condolences, remembering Deva for the lasting mark he made on Tamil film music. He said the composer’s songs would continue to live in people’s memories and extended his deepest sympathies following the loss.

CM Vijay and MK stalin express condolences

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay also mourned Deva’s death, recalling how the composer’s folk songs had won the affection of ordinary people. In his message, Vijay noted that Deva had composed music for more than 400 films in four languages and had written and sung many gaana songs himself. He said the composer’s musical journey and songs would remain part of film history, describing his death as a major loss to Tamil cinema. 

Also Read: CM Vijay pays tribute to Deva, calls it an irreplaceable loss to Tamil cinema

DMK leader and former Chief Minister MK Stalin also expressed his grief over Deva’s passing. He remembered the composer’s role in bringing gaana music into Tamil cinema and acknowledged his contribution to soundtracks associated with leading stars, including Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. 

 

Deva leaves behind a lasting musical legacy

Born Devanesan Chokkalingam, Deva built a career spanning nearly four decades.

His music for Rajinikanth’s ‘Annamalai’ and ‘Baashha’, along with films such as ‘Aasai’, ‘Kadhal Kottai’ and ‘Kushi’, established him as one of the familiar musical voices of Tamil cinema. His son Srikanth Deva later followed him into the industry as a composer.