Veteran Tamil music composer Deva passes away after illness

Chennai witnessed the passing of notable music composer Deva, a beloved figure for his distinctive gana style, on Saturday. The Thiru. Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the renowned music director, whose exceptional contributions to Tamil film music greatly enriched the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.

Deva, 75 years old, passed away at a private hospital in the city, as reported by sources. Deva's enduring legacy consists of a plethora of memorable gana songs that he gifted to the Tamil-speaking populace, serving as a reflection of their likes, dislikes, and the vibrant spirit of the youth community. Throughout his nearly four-decade career, Deva composed music for over 400 films, including blockbuster hits such as Rajinikanth-starrers Annamalai (1992) and Baasha (1995), directed by Suresh Krissna.

Additionally, his work on Kamal Haasan's Pammal K Sambandam (2002) and Panchathanthiram, released in the same year, further solidified his impact on Tamil cinema. Deva, known for his resonant and powerful voice, also contributed to the film industry through his exceptional background scores. Some of his most memorable compositions include the pulsating score from Baasha and the iconic track from Goundamani's comedy film Sooriyan (1992), which continues to linger in the memories of moviegoers.

The film fraternity, including Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, and various political leaders, mourned the loss of Deva, acknowledging his profound impact on the Tamil film music landscape.