Deva, Tamil music maestro who held Malaysia close, dies at 75

Veteran Indian composer Deva, whose music defined an era of Tamil cinema and won him a devoted following in Malaysia, has died at the age of 75 following a heart attack in Chennai. Born Devanesan Chokkalingam, Deva composed songs and background scores for more than 400 films in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. Known affectionately as “Thenisai Thendral,” he became one of Tamil cinema’s most prolific and recognisable musical voices, equally skilled with romantic melodies, folk-influenced numbers, and the energetic gaana style that became his signature.

His best-known work includes music for films like “Annamalai,” “Baashha,” “Aasai,” “Kadhal Kottai,” “Nerrukku Ner,” “Vaalee,” and “Kushi,” as well as scores for Rajinikanth blockbusters such as “Annamalai” and “Baashha,” which became part of the star’s larger-than-life screen identity.

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