Tamil Music Legend Deva Dies At 75: Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Vijay And Others Pay Emotional Tributes

Chennai: Veteran Tamil film composer and singer Deva, fondly known as ‘Thenisai Thendral’, died in Chennai on October 17 at the age of 75 following a reported cardiac arrest. His death has triggered an outpouring of grief across the Tamil film industry, with leading actors, musicians and political figures remembering the composer whose music became an integral part of Tamil cinema.

Superstar Rajinikanth and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay visited Deva’s residence in Chennai to pay their final respects. Rajinikanth appeared visibly emotional while remembering his long association with the composer, whose work featured in films such as Annamalai, Baashha and Arunachalam. Vijay also offered condolences to the bereaved family.

Actor Kamal Haasan mourned Deva in a message on social media, describing him as a dear brother and recalling their time working together on films including Avvai Shanmugi, Pammal K. Sambandam and Panchathanthiram. Former Tamil Nadu chief minister M. K. Stalin also expressed shock at the composer’s passing, acknowledging his contribution to bringing gaana music into mainstream cinema.

Other prominent personalities who paid tribute included actors Vijay Sethupathi, Karthi and Khushbu Sundar, lyricist Vairamuthu, and filmmaker actor R. J. Balaji. Music composer Sam C. S. also remembered Deva’s contribution to Tamil music. Their messages highlighted his distinctive musical style, warmth and lasting influence on generations of listeners.

Born Devanesan Chokkalingam on November 20, 1950, Deva built a career spanning nearly four decades, composing music for more than 400 films across several South Indian languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. His breakthrough came through memorable soundtracks that blended commercial film music with the energetic rhythms of Chennai’s gaana tradition.

His compositions for Rajinikanth’s films became particularly celebrated, including the signature music associated with the superstar’s on screen introductions. Deva also composed for several films starring Vijay during the actor’s early career.

The Tamil Nadu government announced that Deva would receive state honours at his final rites, recognising his contribution to the state’s cultural and cinematic heritage.

As tributes continue, Deva leaves behind a musical legacy that reached beyond cinema screens, giving Tamil film music a distinctive sound that audiences will remember for years to come.

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