Chennai (Commonwealth Union)_ Veteran Tamil film music composer Devanesan Chokkalingam, popularly known as Deva, passed away in Chennai on Saturday at the age of 75. The composer was admitted to Surya Hospital at around 8.30 am, where he died suddenly. His death has left the Tamil film industry and millions of music lovers grieving the loss of a man whose songs became a part of Tamil life across generations. Born on November 20, 1950, Deva built a remarkable career spanning more than three decades. Fondly known as ‘Thenisai Thendral’, he composed music for more than 400 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam cinema. He was especially known for bringing the raw energy of local folk music and Chennai’s gaana culture into mainstream cinema.
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At a time when film music was evolving, Deva created a distinctive sound that connected with ordinary people through its simple melodies, lively rhythms and familiar emotions. His music became closely associated with some of Tamil cinema’s biggest stars. His memorable compositions for Rajinikanth’s Annamalai, Baashha and Arunachalam remain popular, while his songs for Vijay’s Kushi continue to find listeners. The iconic music that accompanied Rajinikanth’s on-screen introductions also became a signature of the superstar’s films. Deva received several honours during his career, including the Tamil Nadu government’s Kalaimamani award and the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Director for Aasai. He was also honoured by the Australian Parliament for his contribution to music.
News of his passing prompted tributes from across the film industry. Rajinikanth visited Deva’s residence in Chennai to pay his last respects, while Kamal Haasan remembered their cherished moments working together on films such as Avvai Shanmugi, Pammal K. Sambandam and Panchatanthiram. Vijay Sethupathi, Khushbu Sundar, Sivakumar, director K. S. Ravikumar and several other film personalities also expressed their grief. Composer Anirudh Ravichander acknowledged Deva’s influence, particularly through the memorable songs he created for Rajinikanth’s films. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and former Chief Minister M. K. Stalin were among the political leaders who paid tribute. Stalin praised Deva for bringing gaana music into mainstream cinema and inspiring generations of musicians.
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and leaders from various political parties also expressed their condolences. Recognising his contribution to Tamil music, the Tamil Nadu government accorded Deva state honours at his final rites. His mortal remains were taken to his native village of Pazhaya Mangadu in Ranipet district on Sunday. Residents gathered along the route, while family members, friends and admirers paid their final respects. Police personnel fired 72 rounds into the air as part of the state honours.
Beyond the awards and hit songs, Deva’s greatest achievement was making simple music that belonged to the people. His songs carried the sounds, language and spirit of Tamil communities, from the streets of North Chennai to Tamil-speaking homes around the world. His legacy will continue through his music and the generations of listeners who grew up with it. For Tamilians everywhere, his passing is not just the loss of a celebrated composer, but the loss of a musical voice that brought people together.
