Music composer Deva, who had built a career spanning decades in the industry, died on 17 October following a cardiac episode. He was 75 years old. Born Devanesan Chokkalingam on 20 November 1950, he passed away before reaching the age of 76.
A cardiac episode at a Kodambakkam hospital in Chennai brought about his death that Saturday. He had been admitted to Surya Hospital at approximately 8:30 in the morning and had been receiving care there prior to his death.
News of Deva's death drew an outpouring of tributes from those who credited his work with shaping the sound of Tamil cinema. Tributes from audiences also extended to the composer, whose body of work spanned film productions across the Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Malayalam industries.
A career in Tamil cinema took shape for him when Maattukara Mannaru arrived in 1986, a first screen appearance that opened doors to collaborations with some of the industry's most prominent names. His contributions to both songs and background scores are credited with driving the box-office performance of numerous films released through the 1990s and into the 2000s. His body of work stretched across more than 400 film productions throughout South India, built up through a career that unfolded over many years.
Popularly called Thenisai Thendral, he carried a reputation for warmth and an easygoing nature that those around him often remarked upon. His theme music for Rajinikanth's film entrances became one of Tamil cinema's most recognisable sonic signatures. Those who worked alongside him — directors, producers, and lead actors alike — valued his ability to craft sequences that elevated performers on screen.
Actor Khushbu Sundar took to social media to share a lengthy post expressing that she was left feeling devastated by the news. Recounting the death as something she had not anticipated, Sundar noted that the two had met face to face just ten days before it happened. She described him as having moved through the people around him with warmth and energy at that meeting, laughing freely and offering words of goodwill to those he met.
Sibi Sathyaraj, known for his work as an actor, also took time to publicly acknowledge the passing of the industry veteran, expressing grief over the death of Deva sir in a post. Vijay Sethupathi similarly took to social media to share a message of condolence for Deva.
The film industry recorded the passing of one of its practitioners. Condolences were extended to those closest to him — his family, relatives, friends, and those who followed his work. The body of work he left behind — the recordings and the compositions — continues to resonate with audiences. His absence will be felt across those who worked alongside him and knew him as Deva Sir.
