Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Saturday (October 17, 2026) expressed his “deep condolences” over the demise of Tamil film music composer Deva.
The musician passed away in Chennai on Saturday at age 75.
Mr. Arlekar said, “Through his sweet compositions and unforgettable songs, Deva had carved a unique place in the Tamil film music world. His passing is an irreplaceable loss to the Tamil film industry and the music world.”
The Governor conveyed his deep condolences to the bereaved family members, the film industry, and all music lovers.
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay expressed shock at the news of Deva’s passing, and conveyed his condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues in the film industry. In a statement on social media, Mr. Vijay said that Deva “captivated the hearts of the common people with his folk songs.”
Mr. Vijay visited the music director’s residence in T. Nagar and paid his respects. He also announced in a social media post that State honours will be accorded to Deva during his funeral.
“Super Star” Rajinikanth, actor Kamal Haasan, lyricist Vairamuthu and others also paid their respects.
“He composed music for over 400 films in the Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada languages, and has also written and sung many folk songs himself. Thiru. Deva, who received numerous awards including the Kalaimamani, his musical journey, and songs will forever endure in the history of film music. His demise is an irreplaceable loss to Tamil cinema,” Mr. Vijay said.
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‘A great human being’
DMK president M.K. Stalin said Deva had composed not only mass songs for heroes of Tamil cinema but also melodies and light-music numbers.
He said Deva’s compositions for Rajinikanth had brought him immense success and fame. “Rajinikanth’s name appearing on the screen to Deva’s background score speaks volumes about the power of his music. There is no auto stand that has not resonated with his ‘Autokaran’ song. His songs for Kamal Haasan-starrers Avvai Shanmugi and Panchathanthiram, in which comedy is a recurring theme, are also memorable,” he said.
Mr. Stalin recalled that former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi had conferred on Deva the title ‘Thenisai Thendral’.
Mr. Stalin said Deva had carved a niche for himself in a film industry dominated by Ilaiyaraaja and A.R. Rahman. “He is not just a creative musician. Above all, he is a great human being who has been friendly with everyone,” he said.
The history of Tamil film music could not be written without acknowledging Deva’s contribution, Mr. Stalin said.
‘Voice of the 90s generation’
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president B. Manickam Tagore said that he was deeply saddened to learn about the passing ‘Thenisai Thendral’ Deva.
He said, “He was the voice of the 90s generation — who made us dance to his vibrant gaana numbers and moved our hearts with his soulful melodies. He had the unique gift of turning the emotions of the common man into unforgettable film music.”
He further said that his music in over 400 films like Annamalai, Baashha, Aasai, Kadhal Kottai, Vaalee, and Kushi, will forever remain a treasure.
‘Took gaana to international stage’
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) founder and Chidambaram M.P., Thol. Thirumavalavan said that Deva has left “an indelible mark in the Tamil art world.”
In a statement, Mr. Thirumavalavan said that he introduced the gaana songs — the music of the indigenous sons of Chennai soil — into films and made them echo on the international stage.
“Even today, by keeping gaana music vibrantly alive, he sustains the livelihoods of countless music artists. His artistic genius, having composed music for over 400 films, makes his passing not just a great loss to the art world but to the Tamil community at large! We extend our deepest condolences to his family, the film industry, fans, and all who mourn his loss!”
PMK president Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss said that music composer Deva carved out his own unique place and reigned over a musical empire in an era dominated by the musical genius Ilaiyaraaja and the musical storm A.R. Rahman despite coming from humble beginings.
He said, “Deva holds the rare distinction of composing music for films starring all the leading actors of Tamil cinema. He provided scores for most of the songs celebrating Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, current Chief Minister Vijay, Ajith, and others—songs cherished by their fans. It was Deva who introduced the folk-inspired Gaana music of the common people to the silver screen.”
He added, “Just days ago, he was still participating in film projects and television shows, so it’s unbearable that he has suddenly left us. Last year, around this very time, the loss of his brother Sabesh had deeply affected him emotionally. The passing of Deva, who was an exceptionally kind-hearted person, is a tremendous loss to the music world.”
Published – October 17, 2026 02:55 pm IST
