Deva, who taught Tamil cinema how a hero should sound, dies at 75

Deva, a composer and singer who shaped Tamil cinema, passed away at the age of 75 in Chennai on Saturday. He had been hospitalized and efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. His funeral is scheduled to take place on Sunday in his native village of Mangadu, near Arcot in Ranipet district, with full state honors.

Before Vijay became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, he was already a well-known figure in Tamil homes through Deva's songs. Deva's work extended beyond providing songs for stars; he played a significant role in shaping the sound of Tamil cinema. His contributions ranged from romantic, heroic, and devotional melodies to mischievous and local tunes.

Born as Devanesan Chokkalingam on November 20, 1950, Deva initially worked in the Tamil Nadu Public Works Department and later trained in music. He faced early challenges in his film career, but with the release of Vaikasi Poranthachu in 1990 and Annamalai in 1992, he gained wider recognition and won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award.

Deva's unique approach to music set him apart from other composers. He believed in understanding the specific needs of each moment in a film and how it should impact the audience. For example, the staircase scene in Annamalai showcased his ability to compress emotions such as suspense, recognition, and elevation into a few seconds.