CHENNAI – Veteran music composer Deva, who revolutionised Tamil cinema by bringing local ‘gaana’ folk music into the mainstream, passed away at a private hospital here on Saturday. He was 75.
Deva, fondly known as ‘Thenisai Thendral’, was admitted to the medical facility at around 8:30 am following sudden health complications, local media outlet Nakkheeran reported.
News of his passing triggered a wave of grief across the Tamil film industry and among millions of fans worldwide.
The cause of his death has not yet been officially disclosed. His body will be kept at his residence in T Nagar for the public to pay their last respects.
Deva, whose career spanned nearly four decades, composed music for over 400 films across Tamil, Kannada, Telugu and Malayalam cinema.
He played a pivotal role in shaping modern Tamil film soundtrack culture during the 1990s with chart-topping hits and iconic background scores, including the famous theme for Superstar Rajinikanth’s title card, which is still used in all his films.
His notable works include Annamalai, Baashha, Aasai, Kadhal Kottai, Nerrukku Ner, Ninaithen Vandhai, Priyamudan, Vaalee and Kushi.
Deva’s contributions earned him multiple honours, including the Tamil Nadu government’s prestigious Kalaimamani award and the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Director for Aasai.
His musical legacy extended to his family; his son, Srikanth Deva, established himself as a film composer, while his brothers Sabesh and Murali also work extensively in the film music industry.-MalayaDailyToday
