Deva dies at 75: Veteran music composer brought Chennai gaana to mainstream cinema

Veteran music composer Deva, who introduced the rhythmic sounds of Chennai's gaana music to mainstream cinema and composed some of Tamil film history's most iconic soundtrack themes, died in Chennai on Saturday, 17 October 2026. He was 75.

Deva complained of chest pain on Saturday morning and was rushed to Surya Hospital in Kodambakkam around 8:30 AM. Medical staff reported that he had no pulse on arrival, and attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.

Born Devanesan Chokkalingam on 20 November 1950 in Mylapore, Deva received classical training on the harmonium under J B Krishna and studied piano under Dhanraj Master. Before his breakthrough in the film industry, he worked at the Public Works Department and composed music for Doordarshan Podhigai's farming broadcast Vayalum Vaazhvum, alongside creating hundreds of devotional tracks.

Championing the sound of gaana

Deva carved a distinct niche during the 1990s, an era when Ilaiyaraaja and AR Rahman commanded Indian cinema's musical stage. Affectionately bestowed the title Thenisai Thendral (breeze of sweet music) by former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, Deva elevated Chennai's native folk rhythms into widespread cinematic popularity.

Over a career spanning nearly four decades, he scored over 400 films across Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Malayalam cinema. His work with superstar Rajinikanth created lasting pop culture landmarks, including the iconic "Superstar Rajni" title card music introduced in 1992's Annamalai, which remains in active use today, including in Jailer 2.

Tributes from state leaders and artists

Tributes poured in across political and cultural spheres following news of his demise. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay expressed profound grief, calling Deva's passing an irreparable loss to Indian cinema while highlighting his receipt of the prestigious Kalaimamani award.

DMK president MK Stalin praised the composer's enduring cultural footprint, stating that the history of Tamil popular music cannot be written without dedicated chapters on Deva's work. Stalin noted that tracks such as "Naan Autokaaran" and "Vaararu Azhagar Vaararu" are woven into the daily life and festival culture of Tamil Nadu.

Actor and politician Khushbu Sundar expressed shock, remembering him as a joyful presence who had met friends just ten days prior. Actors Vijay Sethupathi and Sibi Sathyaraj, along with music director Sam CS, also offered condolences to Deva's family, including his son, music director Srikanth Deva.