Famous Tamil Cinema Composer Deva Passes Away at 75

Deva, a popular composer in the Tamil film industry, died on Saturday at the age of 75. According to hospital sources, he was already without a pulse when he was brought to the hospital, and doctors could not save him despite their efforts.

Deva played an important role in bringing Chennai's traditional "gaana" music style into the mainstream of Tamil cinema. He gained wide recognition for composing songs and background music for Rajinikanth's films Annamalai, Baasha and Arunachalam.

His songs and background scores gave fresh energy to the commercial side of Tamil cinema in the 1990s.

From government employee to composer

Deva's real name was Devanesan Chokkalingam. Before entering films, he worked in the Public Works Department of the Tamil Nadu government.

He began his career as a music composer in 1986 with the film Mattukara Mannaru. The film was not a success, but its songs drew attention.

The success of Vaigasi Poranthachu later brought him recognition at the state level. He also won the Tamil Nadu State Award for Best Music Director.

Deva composed music for more than 400 films in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.

He presented a blend of gaana music, folk tunes, classical music and devotional music. He also worked with veteran singers such as Sirkazhi Govindarajan, P. Susheela, M. Balamuralikrishna and Madurai Somu. Many devotional songs composed by him are still heard in temples today.

The Tamil film and music world has described his death as an irreparable loss.

Deva was a Kalaimamani award winner

Deva made a distinct identity in the industry with his music. A few weeks ago, he attended the success meet of the Tamil film Meesaya Murukku 2. There, he spoke about why he started the gaana style.

Deva had said that Ilaiyaraaja dominated the industry when he entered films. He said he was the 28th music director to debut in Tamil cinema, and that the 27 before him could not establish themselves.

He had said it was not easy to carve out an identity in an era of giants such as Ilaiyaraaja and AR Rahman.

Deva was honoured with the Tamil Nadu government's prestigious Kalaimamani award. He had first won the state film award in 1990.

His son, Srikanth Deva, is also a music director. His nephew, Jai, is a popular actor in Tamil films.

According to sources, Deva's body will be brought to his home in Vadapalani, Chennai, at 2 pm on Saturday. Members of the public and the film industry will be able to pay their last respects there.