Legendary Tamil music composer Deva, the man behind iconic Rajinikanth themes, dies at 75

Legendary Tamil music composer Deva, renowned for his hits on superstar Rajinikanth’s soundtracks, passed away at the age of 75 in Chennai on Saturday. Diagnosed with chest pain, Deva was admitted to Surya Hospital, but doctors were unable to revive him despite their efforts. His demise has left a profound impact on the Tamil film industry, which revered him for his melodic compositions, folk-inspired tunes, and pioneering contributions to integrating Chennai’s gaana music into mainstream cinema.

Devanesan Chokkalingam, Deva’s birth name, was born on November 20, 1950, and he rose to prominence in the 1990s as one of Tamil cinema’s leading composers. Over a prolific career, he scored music for numerous films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam languages. Known fondly as 'Thenisai Thendral,' meaning 'breeze of sweet music', he played a pivotal role in popularising gaana music in Tamil cinema, crafting songs that resonated with everyday listeners. His compositions often drew inspiration from Chennai’s street music traditions.

Deva’s work with Rajinikanth, particularly on films like Annamalai, Baashha, and Arunachalam, became synonymous with the actor’s screen persona. The Baashha theme, in particular, became a signature anthem for the superstar. His versatility is evident in his collaborations with Kamal Haasan, notably in Avvai Shanmugi and Panchathanthiram. Apart from Tamil cinema, he also composed for Malayalam films such as The Prince and Phantom.

Born into a family with a strong background in the music industry—his son, Srikanth Deva, also became a music composer, and his brothers, Sabesh and Murali, were also involved—he trained in classical music, Western studies, and performed on stage before making his entry into films. He made his debut in the Tamil film industry with Maatukaara Mannaru, before earning wider recognition with Manasukketha Maharaasaa and Vaikasi Porandhaachu.

His distinctive style blended romantic melodies, folk-inspired compositions, and energetic gaana numbers, solidifying his status as a versatile and sought-after composer.