Rajinikanth recalls Deva’s selfless gesture during ‘Padayappa’

Superstar Rajinikanth has made an emotional tribute to the music composer Deva. He remembered his friendship, their collaborations and the kindness of the deceased music composer. The actor made this video tribute after the sad news about the musician's death.

Rajinikanth also extended his heartfelt condolences to Deva’s family, remembering him as a genuinely good human being who achieved success through years of hard work.

Rajinikanth remembers Deva’s generous gesture during ‘Padayappa’

Recalling their association, Rajinikanth said Deva composed music for three of his films: 'Annamalai,' 'Baashha,' and 'Arunachalam,' all of which emerged as major successes. He then shared an incident from the making of 'Padayappa,' when his friends suggested bringing in AR Rahman for the film’s music.

“When 'Padayappa' began, my friends suggested that we could appoint AR Rahman as the music composer. I approached Deva with a heavy heart and explained the situation.

He immediately stood up, held my hand and said, ‘Please go ahead, Rajini sir,’” the actor recalled. Rajinikanth said he assured Deva that he did not want him to misunderstand the decision. However, the composer responded graciously, saying that working on three films with the superstar was itself a great blessing.

Rajinikanth described him as a person with a pure heart who never harboured ill feelings.

Deva’s struggles, family values and musical success recalled

The superstar also spoke about Deva’s difficult early years and his determination to support his family. As the eldest among five brothers, the composer performed at weddings and other events alongside his siblings before establishing himself in the film industry. Even after becoming a successful music director, he continued to keep his brothers close and provide them with opportunities.

Rajinikanth praised him as a wonderful family man who never forgot his roots.

He also recalled how Deva developed a distinct musical identity and achieved success during a period when Ilaiyaraaja dominated the industry.

Rajinikanth recalls Deva’s final meeting and concert success

Rajinikanth said Deva had met him around two-and-a-half years ago to discuss organising a concert and requested him to inaugurate it. The actor happily agreed, and the event went on to become a major success.

During their last meeting, about three months ago, Deva reportedly expressed happiness over the younger generation’s response to his music. “He told me, ‘Sir, I am very happy with the response from youngsters.

I will live for another 10 to 15 years and then go,’” Rajinikanth recalled.

Reflecting on the composer’s sudden passing, he said, “God must have thought, ‘You are such a good person. Come to me while you are happy,’ and called him away.” Ending his message with prayers for Deva’s soul to rest in peace, the superstar offered his deepest condolences to the bereaved family.