VETERAN Tamil film composer and singer Deva, affectionately known as ‘Thenisai Thendral’, died in Chennai on Saturday (Oct 17), aged 75.
He was reportedly admitted to Surya Hospital at about 8.30 am, where he died unexpectedly. Further details surrounding his death have yet to be disclosed.
Born Devanesan Chokkalingam on Nov 20, 1950, Deva built a career spanning more than three decades, composing music for hundreds of films in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.
Among his best-known works are the soundtracks for Annamalai, Baashha, Aasai, Kadhal Kottai, Nerrukku Ner, Ninaithen Vandhai, Priyamudan, Vaalee and Kushi.
He was credited with bringing Chennai’s gaana music tradition to a wider audience through mainstream Tamil cinema, while also earning recognition for his romantic melodies and devotional compositions.
His achievements were recognised with several honours, including the Tamil Nadu government’s Kalaimamani award and the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Director for Aasai.
His musical legacy continues through his son, Srikanth Deva, who has followed in his footsteps as a film composer. His brothers, Sabesh and Murali, have also been involved in the film music industry.