Indian music composer Devanesan Chokkalingam, popularly known as Deva, died in Chennai on Saturday (Oct 17), Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.

The 75-year-old, who was hugely popular for his unique 'gaana' style compositions, breathed his last at a private hospital in Kodambakkam, Chennai, following a heart attack. Reports state that he was admitted to Surya Hospital at around 8.30am.

Hospital sources said he had no pulse when he arrived and that efforts to revive him remained futile.

Along with the likes of Ilaiyaraaja and A.R. Rahman, Deva reserves his place as one of Tamil cinema's greatest-ever composers.

The 'Gaana' Tamil folk music, Deva's gift to Tamil-speaking people, may be described as a genre of musical composition that brought the subaltern world into the mainstream, capturing its likes, dislikes, and the rough-and-tumble lives of youth.

In a career spanning nearly four decades, Deva composed music for over 400 films across Tamil, Kannada, Telugu and Malayalam cinema.

These included runaway hits such as the Rajinikanth-starrers Annamalai (1992) and Baasha (1995), both directed by Suresh Krissna, alongside Kamal Haasan's Pammal K Sambandam (2002) and Panchathanthiram, also released the same year.

Known for his stentorian voice, Deva sang a wide variety of songs himself.

Besides his hit songs, several of Deva's background scores remain hits with moviegoers, including the pulsating "Baasha, Baasha” from the Rajinikanth-led blockbuster.

His score for veteran comedian Goundamani's antics in the Tamil film Sooriyan (1992) remains vividly remembered by movie lovers.

The man called 'Thenisai Thendral' (breeze of sweet music)

Born on Nov 20, 1950, the beloved music composer Devanesan died just weeks before his 76th birthday.

He was known for his signature white pyjama-kurta and white sandals, with his choice of footwear reportedly inspired by Rajinikanth.

He is survived by his wife, son Srikanth Deva, also a well-known music director, and two daughters.

His journey in the film industry began with a few early projects, after which he briefly stepped away from cinema.

During this period, he worked with Doordarshan Podhigai and composed songs for the programme Vayalum Vaazhvum.

Deva trained in piano under Dhanraj Master, who also taught Ilaiyaraaja, and studied Indian classical music on the harmonium under J B Krishna. In the 1980s, he also composed devotional albums, creating hundreds of works in the genre.

Deva’s brothers, Sabesh and Murali, who worked as instrumentalists with Ilaiyaraaja and other music directors, played an important role in introducing him to the film industry.

The composer often acknowledged their support and collaboration as crucial to his career.

He made his full-fledged debut as a composer in Tamil cinema with Mattukkara Mannaru in 1986.

His first major film featuring established stars was Manasukketha Maharasa, released in 1989, followed by projects such as Vaigasi Poranthachu, which helped establish his presence in the industry.

Tributes pour in for the legend

The film fraternity, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, and various political leaders expressed profound grief over Deva's demise.

Tamil Superstar Rajinikanth paid a glowing tribute to Deva, saying that he was a man without lies or deceit and that he was “a person of pure gold”.

Rajinikanth observed, “Even when Ilaiyaraaja was ruling the roost, Deva created a style for himself and succeeded big time.”

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay was among those who expressed his shock and grief.

In his condolence message, Vijay noted that Deva composed music for more than 400 films, while also writing and singing numerous Gaana songs that resonated with ordinary people.

He highlighted that Deva, a recipient of several prestigious awards including the Kalaimamani, will be remembered forever for his remarkable musical journey and contributions to Indian cinema.

Describing Deva’s passing as an irreparable loss to the Tamil film industry, Vijay conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, relatives, friends, members of the film fraternity, and music lovers across the globe.

DMK president and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin remembered Deva as a humble and kind-hearted individual who left an indelible mark on Tamil film music.

In his statement, Stalin credited Deva with popularising Gaana music in mainstream Tamil cinema, noting that the composer had become synonymous with the genre.

Recalling that former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had conferred the title Thenisai Thendral upon Deva in recognition of his musical excellence, Stalin noted that the composer successfully carved out a distinct, celebrated identity during an era dominated by legends like Ilaiyaraaja and AR Rahman.

Stalin further observed that Deva maintained a warm and encouraging approach while collaborating with younger musicians, including Anirudh Ravichander, and noted that his recent live concerts continued to draw enthusiastic responses from packed audiences.

“Tamil popular music history cannot be written without Deva,” Stalin said, adding that several definitive chapters would have to be devoted to the composer’s monumental contributions.

Actress and politician Khushbu Sundar was “absolutely devastated”.

“Unbelievable. A man who was healthy and laughing, a blessing and part of us just 10 days ago, is gone. It’s heartbreaking. Thenisai Thendral, as he was known, was indeed a man as sweet as honey and lighthearted as the wind. His contribution to the world of music and cinema is beyond measure. Gone too soon. Why??” she wrote.

Malayalam star Nivin Pauly wrote, “Rest in peace Deva, Sir. Your music will echo through generations.”

Actor Vijay Sethupathi said Deva’s passing “brings immense sorrow,” adding that his music “will forever live in our memories.”

Actor-director RJ Balaji, recalling his work with Deva on Mookuthi Amman, called it “a cherished memory” and said his legacy would live on through his music.

Actor-choreographer Prabhu Deva also paid tribute, saying Deva’s “timeless music will live on forever.”

Lyricist and poet Vairamuthu shared an emotional tribute, referring to their collaborations on films such as 'Annamalai', 'Baashha', 'Arunachalam', 'Vaali', 'Kushi', 'Nerukku Ner', 'Aasai' and 'Panchathanthiram'.

He Tweeted, "Deva, who gave us unforgettable songs, is no more. Has the gentle breeze of melody come to a halt? My heart feels heavy. He was someone whose every word and breath seemed to be music. He understood both music and its finer nuances.

He was a cultured soul who knew how to create beautiful melodies. The hundreds of films I worked on with him, including 'Annamalai', 'Baashha', 'Arunachalam', 'Vaali', 'Kushi', 'Nerukku Ner', 'Aasai' and 'Panchathanthiram', owe much of their song successes to Deva. Fans often say that no other music director’s compositions suited Rajinikanth as perfectly as Deva’s did. What can I say? It feels as though I have lost one of my own fingers."

He added, "My heartfelt condolences to his family and the fans mourning his loss. You were the one who sang, ‘Don’t worry, brother!’ And today, how can I possibly keep from grieving?”

Source: Bernama-PTI, agencies

--Agencies