Music composer Deva gave Rajinikanth his theme, Ajith his romance and Vijay his youth

Deva, the renowned music composer, passed away on Saturday in Chennai after suffering a heart attack at the age of 75. Known by the stage name Deva and affectionately called Thenisai Thendral by audiences, he had an illustrious career spanning over four decades, composing music for more than 400 films in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema.

Deva's most significant contribution to Tamil cinema was likely his work with Rajinikanth, providing the soundtracks for Annamalai and Baashha. These albums became a defining musical identity for the superstar, helping establish his screen persona and paving the way for his success in the industry. Deva also played a pivotal role in the rise of actors Ajith Kumar and Vijay, scoring their breakthrough albums Aasai and Deva, respectively.

For Ajith, Deva's music shaped his image as a romantic hero, while for Vijay, it cemented his reputation as a youthful and energetic star.

Beyond his work with these leading stars, Deva also played a crucial part in bringing gaana, a folk form from North Chennai, into the mainstream. Traditionally considered too raw and local for commercial cinema, Deva infused gaana with commercial appeal through his soundtracks, legitimising the art form and introducing it to a wider audience. This cultural contribution cemented Deva's legacy as a groundbreaking composer who left an indelible mark on Tamil cinema.