He left government job to become Tamil cinema's Thenisai Thendral. He composed hits for Ajith Kumar and gave Rajinikanth’s iconic 'Superstar' theme. Who was Deva?

The Tamil film fraternity and politicians are mourning the death of veteran music composer Deva who died in Chennai on Saturday at the age of 75 after suffering a heart attack. The composer is known for his memorable soundtracks and played an important role in shaping Tamil cinema music through the 1990s. His songs became closely linked with Rajinikanth’s on-screen persona and helped boost films with leading actors Vijay and Ajith Kumar.

Following Rajinikanth and other celebrities, several actors and politicians visited Deva's residence in Chennai to pay their last respects.

Who was music composer Deva?

Devan was born as Devanesan Chokkalingam on 20 November 1950. He worked in the Public Works Department (PWD) of the Tamil Nadu government before stepping into the field of film music. He made his debut in the industry as a composer with Mattukkara Mannaru in 1986. Although the film did not perform well commercially, his work gradually began attracting attention.




His early career rose to fame with Manasuketha Maharasa, but it was Vaikasi Poranthachu (1990) that brought him wider recognition. The film also earned him the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Director.

Deva later became widely known as Thenisai Thendral, a title meaning a gentle breeze of melodious music. Legendary composer M.S. Viswanathan gave him the title in 1985. Over the course of his career, Deva composed music for more than 400 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam cinema.

His music was marked by its variety and accessibility. He offered lively dance numbers and songs for commercial entertainers, but also wrote emotional melodies.This versatility in style helped him become a much sought after composer at a time when Tamil cinema was producing many memorable soundtracks.

Rajinikanth’s memorable musical association with Deva

One of Deva’s most celebrated collaborations was with Rajinikanth. He composed music for some of the superstar's popular films, including Annamalai (1992), Baashha (1995) and Arunachalam (1997).

The songs from these films became integral to Rajinikanth's on-screen persona. Kondaiyil Thazhamboo from Annamalai emerged as a popular hit, while Baashha featured the unforgettable refrain Baatcha, Baatcha. In Arunachalam, the track Singam Ondru Purappattathey further enhanced the actor's larger-than-life presence.

Deva also composed the signature title music associated with Rajinikanth's on-screen introductions. Moreover, his contribution went beyond dance numbers and hero-introduction music.

How Deva brought gaana music to mainstream Tamil cinema

Deva also helped bring North Chennai's gaana music into mainstream Tamil films. It is rooted in the urban culture of the city, and characterised by rhythmic beats, colloquial lyrics and direct emotional expression. The composer incorporated elements of this style into commercial soundtracks, helping introduce it to a wider audience.

Deva's work also extended to films featuring Vijay and Ajith Kumar. His soundtracks became part of the commercial cinema landscape during the 1990s, when both actors were establishing themselves as leading stars.

With more than four decades of musical contributions, Deva leaves behind a catalogue that spans energetic folk-inspired numbers, romantic melodies and iconic film themes.