Deva passes away at 75 in Chennai; Celebs pay tribute

Deva passes away at 75 in Chennai; Tamil Nadu CM Vijay, Khushbu Sundar and others pay tribute.

Veteran Tamil music composer and singer Deva, popularly known as ‘Thenisai Thendral’, passed away in Chennai on Saturday, October 17, aged 75. His passing prompted tributes from actors, musicians, filmmakers and political leaders.As reported by On Manorama, born Devanesan Chokkalingam on November 20, 1950, Deva composed music for hundreds of films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam cinema. His Malayalam film credits include 'The Prince' and 'Phantom'.

Vijay Sethupathi pays tribute to Deva

Actor Vijay Sethupathi expressed his grief over the composer’s death in a social media post. He remembered Deva’s lasting contribution to Tamil film music and the memories associated with his songs."The passing of the composer Deva sir, who left an indelible mark in the music world of Tamil cinema, brings immense sorrow. His music and songs will forever live in our memories. Deepest condolences."

Vairamuthu recalls working with the composer

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?”

Khushbu Sundar, Chinmayi Sripaada mourn his demise

Actor and politician Khushbu Sundar said she was devastated by the news, recalling that Deva had been present among them just days earlier.

"Absolutely devastated. Unbelievable. A man who was healthy and laughing, blessing and was part of us just 10 days ago is gone. Its heartbreaking. Thenisai Thendral as he was known, was indeed a man as sweet as honey and light hearted as the wind. His contribution to the world of music and cinema is beyond. Gone too soon. Why?? You will be missed Deva Sir. Rest in peace.."

Director Sakthivel Perumalsamy wrote, "Really it's Shocking ! Rest in peace Thenisai Thendral #Deva Sir.

My condolences to his family ,Friends and Fans across the world! #RIPDevaSir."

Actor Shanthanu Bhagyaraj posted, "Deva sir #RIP." Singer Chinmayi Sripaada wrote, "Just dont know how to process the passing of Deva Sir. Huge loss." Composer and actor G. V. Prakash Kumar also shared, "Rest in Peace legend."

Premallatha Vijayakanth remembers his bond with Captain

Premallatha Vijayakanth, wife of late actor Vijayakanth, recalled the friendship between her husband and Deva.

She highlighted their collaborations and the continuing popularity of songs such as "Vaararu Vaararu Azhagar Vaararu".She described Deva’s death as an irreparable loss to the Indian music industry and extended condolences to his family, including his son, composer Srikanth Deva.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s office issues condolence

The office of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay also paid tribute, noting that Deva composed music for more than 400 films across four languages.

The Tweet read, "I was deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Deva, the distinctive music composer of Tamil cinema, fondly known as ‘Thenisai Thendral’ and celebrated for winning the hearts of ordinary people through his gaana songs. Mr. Deva composed music for more than 400 films across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada cinema.

He also wrote and sang numerous gaana songs himself. Honored with several awards, including the Kalaimamani, his musical journey and songs will remain an enduring part of the history of Indian film music.

His passing is a tremendous loss to the Tamil film industry. I extend my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to Mr. Deva’s grieving family, relatives, friends, members of the film fraternity and music lovers.

"Deva’s best-known soundtracks include 'Annamalai', 'Baashha', 'Aasai', 'Kadhal Kottai', 'Nerrukku Ner', 'Ninaithen Vandhai', 'Priyamudan', 'Vaalee' and 'Kushi'. He also composed music for more than 15 films featuring Vijay. His career spanned more than three decades, with several of his soundtracks becoming popular during the 1990s. Deva also wrote and sang numerous gaana songs.