Veteran Tamil film music composer Deva, widely known as “Thenisai Thendral”, died on Friday in Chennai. He had been unwell due to age-related health issues and was admitted to a private hospital earlier in the day, where treatment did not succeed.
Deva entered the film industry as a music director in 1989 with Manasuketha Maharasa and went on to compose for around 450 films, including popular titles such as Annamalai and Baasha. He delivered several hit songs for leading actors including Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Vijay and Ajith, and is credited with introducing gaana songs to Tamil cinema.
The Tamil Nadu government announced that Deva’s last rites will be held with state honours. Condolences were expressed by political leaders and film personalities, including Chief Minister Vijay, Governor R.N. Ravi Arlekar, and DMK president M.K. Stalin.
Speaking to reporters, Deva’s son and music composer Srikanth Deva said his father suffered a cardiac arrest and could not be saved despite treatment. He said the funeral will be held in Deva’s native place at Chakkaramallur near Arcot in Ranipet district; the body will be taken from the family’s T. Nagar home on October 18 at 1 pm, with the final rites to be conducted later with state honours.
Chief Minister Vijay visited Deva’s residence on Padmanabhan Street in T. Nagar, paid floral tributes, and consoled Srikanth Deva and family members.
