Tamil cinema mourns Deva: Rajinikanth arrives in tears, Kamal Haasan remembers ‘dear brother’

Veteran Indian composer Deva, whose music defined Tamil cinema, has passed away at the age of 75 in Chennai after suffering a heart attack, according to Indian media reports. Born Devanesan Chokkalingam, he was admitted to a private hospital in Chennai and passed away following the cardiac event. His death evoked an outpouring of sorrow from fans and the film industry.

Throughout his career, spanning over three decades, Deva composed songs and background scores for more than 400 films in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada languages. Known affectionately as "Thenisai Thendral", he became one of Tamil cinema's most prolific and recognizable musical voices, excelling in romantic melodies, folk-influenced numbers, and his signature energetic gaana style.

His most notable works include compositions for films such as "Annamalai", "Baashha", "Aasai", "Kadhal Kottai", "Nerrukku Ner", "Vaalee", and "Kushi", as well as scores for Rajinikanth blockbusters like "Annamalai" and "Baashha". Deva's music transcended borders, finding a significant following in Malaysia, where he maintained a strong connection with Malaysian fans even decades after his peak.

In 2023, he performed for Malaysian audiences, recalling their unique role in popularizing his melodic songs worldwide. Deva's signature style was grounded in gaana, a rhythm-driven music rooted in Chennai's working-class neighborhoods, which he brought to mainstream Tamil cinema. His catalogue featured a blend of playful, immediate gaana numbers and tender melodies, alongside powerful background scores for commercial films.

Despite his immense success, Deva remained humble and approachable, often sharing anecdotes about his fans' memorable encounters with him. His legacy, recognized by awards like the Tamil Nadu government's Kalaimamani award and a Tamil Nadu State Film Award, continues through his family members, including his son and brothers, who followed in his musical footsteps.

For Malaysian fans, Deva leaves behind a rich musical heritage and cherished memories of a composer deeply appreciated for his international appeal and genuine connection with his audience.