Veteran Tamil film composer and singer Deva, fondly known as ‘Thenisai Thendral’, passed away in Chennai on October 17, 2026, at the age of 75. His demise marks a significant loss for Tamil cinema, where his music connected with audiences through memorable melodies, energetic tracks and a distinctive approach to film music.
Born Devanesan Chokkalingam, Deva built a career spanning several decades and composed music for more than 400 films across multiple languages. He made a special place for himself in Tamil cinema with his ability to move between romantic melodies, folk-inspired compositions and lively dance numbers. His work also played an important role in bringing gaana music into mainstream Tamil film soundtracks, giving his compositions a distinct identity.
Some of Deva’s most recognized musical contributions came through films such as Annamalai, Baashha, Priyamudan, Aasai, and Kushi. His association with Rajinikanth’s films was particularly memorable, with his signature music for the Superstar becoming an important part of the actor’s on-screen image. His compositions from the 1990s remain familiar to generations of Tamil cinema fans, reflecting his strong connection with popular film culture.
Deva’s contribution extended beyond songs. His background scores and energetic musical arrangements helped shape the mood of several commercial entertainers. He also worked across Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam cinema, expanding his musical reach beyond Tamil audiences. Despite the changing trends in film music, his distinctive style continued to retain its place among listeners who grew up with his songs.
News of his passing has prompted tributes from members of the film fraternity and fans. Many have remembered him for his musical legacy and his contribution to Tamil cinema. His work remains closely associated with some of the industry’s most memorable stars and films, while his songs continue to find audiences across generations.
With Deva’s passing, Tamil cinema loses a composer whose music became part of its popular cultural memory. His melodies, gaana numbers and signature musical moments will continue to celebrate the legacy of an artist affectionately remembered as Thenisai Thendral.
தமிழ்த் திரையுலகின் தனித்துவமான இசையமைப்பாளரும், கானா பாடல்களால் எளிய மக்களின் மனங்களைக் கவர்ந்தவருமான ‘தேனிசைத் தென்றல்’ திரு.தேவா அவர்கள் மறைந்த செய்தியறிந்து மிகுந்த அதிர்ச்சியும், ஆழ்ந்த வேதனையும் அடைந்தேன். தமிழ், தெலுங்கு, மலையாளம், கன்னடம் ஆகிய மொழிகளில் 400-க்கும் மேற்பட்ட திரைப்படங்களுக்கு இசையமைத்ததோடு, பல கானா பாடல்களை எழுதி, அவரே பாடியும் உள்ளார். கலைமாமணி உள்ளிட்ட பல்வேறு விருதுகளைப் பெற்ற திரு.தேவா அவர்களின் இசைப் பயணமும், பாடல்களும் திரையிசை வரலாற்றில் என்றும் நிலைத்திருக்கும். அவரது மறைவு தமிழ்த் திரையுலகிற்கு பேரிழப்பாகும். இசையமைப்பாளர் திரு.தேவா அவர்களை இழந்துவாடும் குடும்பத்தினருக்கும், உறவினர்களுக்கும், நண்பர்களுக்கும், திரைத்துறையினருக்கும், இசை ரசிகர்களுக்கும் எனது ஆழ்ந்த இரங்கலையும், அனுதாபங்களையும் தெரிவித்துக் கொள்கிறேன்.
— CMOTamilNadu (@CMOTamilnadu) October 17, 2026