Music composer Deva laid to rest with full state honours in Ranipet district

Music composer Deva, who died in Chennai on Saturday (October 17,2026) at the age of 75, was laid to rest at his farmhouse in Chakkaramallur village, near Arcot town, in Ranipet district with full state honours on Sunday (October 18, 2026).

A large number of residents from his native village had gathered in front of his farmhouse from as early as 11 a.m. despite the mortal remains being brought by road from Chennai only around 3.30 p.m. Many women and elders wept uncontrollably on seeing the body. The police had a tough time controlling the crowd.

Superintendent of Police (Ranipet) P. Sibin supervised the security arrangements. At least 250 police personnel, including woman constables, were deployed in and around the farmhouse, and traffic was diverted in the locality. “According to protocol, 72 rounds will be fired, and a police gun salute was done to mark full state honours. The public were allowed to pay tributes,” Mr. Sibin told presspersons.

Leaders of various political parties, senior government officials, and members of cine-associations paid their respects. Minister for Cooperatives V. Gandhiraj, Ranipet Collector N. Priya Ravichandran, former DMK Minister R. Gandhi, filmmaker Cheran, and actor Jai were among those who paid tributes.

The villagers, who recalled their association with Deva, said he was affectionate and would call each one of them by name. He used to help children pursue education, and also used to attend family functions in the village. He also built a few local temples for the residents in the village. Around 5 p.m., the family members performed the last rites, led by Deva’s son Srikanth Deva. The body was laid to rest with full state honours.

Earlier in the day, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami visited the Chennai residence of the music composer and paid floral tributes to the mortal remains.