{
  "id": 15362370,
  "title": "Deva, who taught Tamil cinema how a hero should sound, dies at 75",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/deva-who-taught-tamil-cinema-how-a-hero-should-sound-dies-at-75-15362370",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T05:57:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express - India",
    "slug": "the-indian-express-india",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/india/deva-tamil-cinema-hero-sound-dies-10926616/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Deva, the composer and singer who shaped Tamil cinema, passed away at the age of 75 in Chennai on Saturday. Born Devanesan Chokkalingam on November 20, 1950, he initially worked in the Tamil Nadu Public Works Department before pursuing a career in music. His early films, such as Vaikasi Poranthachu in 1990 and Annamalai in 1992, earned him recognition and a Tamil Nadu State Film Award. Deva's career stands out as an unusual blend, as he navigated the world of Tamil cinema between the dominance of Ilaiyaraaja and A R Rahman.\n\nDeva approached music with a unique understanding of what a moment needed to evoke from its audience. For instance, in Rajinikanth's films, the music surrounding him seemed to acquire constitutional importance, almost becoming a part of the star himself. In contrast, Deva focused on the emotional and musical impact of the scene, compressing suspense, recognition, and elevation into seconds. His songs, such as \"Konja Naal Poru Thalaiva,\" \"Meenamma,\" and \"Pulveli Pulveli,\" possessed a melodic and sensuous quality, distinguishing him from Ilaiyaraaja and Rahman.\n\nAlthough Deva's music is often associated with mass appeal, he also made significant contributions to Chennai's working-class neighborhoods. He recognized the musicality of gaana, a genre deeply rooted in the city's culture, and seamlessly incorporated it into commercial cinema. Songs like \"Kavalaipadathe Sagothara\" captured the essence of Tamil survival mechanisms, blending sorrow with percussion in a way that resonated with audiences.\n\nDeva's voice was another defining aspect of his career. His distinct tone conveyed a sense of history and depth, making him more than just a playback singer. His ability to blend Western and Indian music, along with classical forms, set him apart from his contemporaries. He composed songs that moved effortlessly from gaana to melody to Carnatic inflection, demonstrating his versatility and depth as a musician.\n\nDeva's funeral will be held on Sunday at his native village of Mangadu, near Arcot in Ranipet district, with full state honors. His unique approach to music and his profound understanding of Tamil cinema's cultural landscape have left an indelible mark on the industry.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "Deva, who taught Tamil cinema how a hero should sound, dies at 75",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/deva-who-taught-tamil-cinema-how-a-hero-should-sound-dies-at-75",
        "published": "2026-10-18T05:57:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}