Veteran Tamil music composer and singer Deva, popularly known as ‘Thenisai Thendral’, died at a hospital in Chennai on Saturday. He was 75.
Deva, whose full name was Devanesan Chokkalingam, was known for bringing Chennai’s gaana music into mainstream Tamil cinema. His career spanned nearly four decades, during which he composed music for more than 400 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam cinema.
The composer was admitted to a private hospital in Chennai on Saturday morning after complaining of chest pain. He died despite efforts to revive him, according to reports. The cause of death has not been formally announced.
Deva became one of the most recognisable names in Tamil film music during the 1990s, creating soundtracks that combined gaana rhythms, folk influences, romantic melodies and high-energy numbers.
He made his film debut with Manasukketha Maharaasa in 1989 and gained wider recognition with Vaikasi Porandhaachuin 1990. His notable soundtracks include Annamalai, Baashha, Aasai, Kadhal Kottai, Nerukku Ner, Vaalee and Kushi.
Deva also became closely associated with the musical introductions in Rajinikanth’s films, helping establish the sound that accompanied the actor’s on-screen arrival. Songs such as Naan Autokaaran from Baashha became enduring favourites.
Born on November 20, 1950, in Chennai, Deva earned the title ‘Thenisai Thendral’, often translated as ‘breeze of sweet music’. His compositions helped bring the sounds of urban Tamil popular music to a wider film audience and made him a prominent figure in the industry.
His death marks the end of a career that helped shape Tamil film music across generations.