{
  "id": 15144897,
  "title": "Deva, the composer who took Chennai’s gaana to mainstream cinema, is no more",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/deva-the-composer-who-took-chennais-gaana-to-mainstream-cinema-is-no",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T07:17:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/deva-the-composer-who-took-chennais-gaana-to-mainstream-cinema-is-no-more/article71595678.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tamil film music composer Deva, who bridged Chennai's gaana tradition with mainstream cinema, has passed away at the age of 75, according to hospital sources. His music combined the earthy rhythms of gaana, mass appeal of Tamil cinema, and melodic richness of classical and devotional music. Gaana, a distinct genre in Chennai, is an integral part of the city's culture, according to the composer himself. Deva initially pursued a career in the Public Works Department before venturing into filmmaking. His first film music composition was for Mattukkara Mannaru in 1986, though the film failed commercially. However, his subsequent works, including Manasuketha Maharasa and Vaikasi Poranthachu, gained recognition, leading to him receiving the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Director in 1990. Deva's music significantly impacted Rajinikanth's career, with hit songs like \"Kondaiyil Thazhamboo, Nenjile Vaazhapoo, Koodaiyil Enna Poo,\" \"Singam Ondru Purappattathey,\" and \"Oru Pen Pura\" from Annamalai becoming chartbusters. His compositions also drew upon classical and devotional music, incorporating classical elements in his collaborations with renowned devotional music singers.",
  "summary": "Deva’s music bridged seemingly disparate worlds — the earthy rhythms of Chennai’s gaana tradition, the mass appeal of Tamil cinema, and the melodic richness of classical and devotional music",
  "key_points": [
    "Tamil composer Deva dies at 75, bridging gaana and mainstream cinema",
    "Gaana, distinct Chennai genre, integral to city culture",
    "Deva's music influenced Rajinikanth's career with chartbusters"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}