Veteran music director Deva, fondly known as ‘Thenisai Thendral’, passed away in Chennai on Saturday at the age of 75. His demise has come as a shock to the Tamil film industry, bringing an end to the journey of a composer who delivered several memorable soundtracks and became one of the defining musical voices of Tamil cinema during the 1990s.
Born Devanesan Chokkalingam, Deva built his reputation with his ability to create music across genres, from energetic folk numbers and Chennai gaana songs to romantic melodies. His association with superstar Rajinikanth resulted in memorable albums for Annamalai and Baashha. The latter, in particular, remains closely associated with Rajinikanth's screen persona, with its music and background score becoming an integral part of the film's enduring popularity.
Deva went on to compose for several successful films featuring leading Tamil stars. His notable works include Aasai, Kadhal Kottai, Nerrukku Ner, Ninaithen Vandhai, Priyamudan, Vaalee, Kushi and Arunachalam. Across a career spanning more than three decades, he worked on over 500 films, leaving a substantial body of work that reached audiences across generations.
Although audiences widely identified him with gaana music, Deva had a deep affection for melodies and a strong grounding in Carnatic music. In a June 2026 interview with Cinema Express, he spoke about his desire to explore classical music more extensively and how the film Charukesi helped fulfil that long-standing ambition. Even after decades in the industry, he continued to work with younger composers and learn from changing musical trends.
Deva's contribution to Tamil cinema extended beyond chartbusters. His music became part of the identity of several films, helping create memorable moments that continue to resonate with audiences. His son, Srikanth Deva, has also established himself as a music composer, carrying forward the family's musical legacy.
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