Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay expressed their condolences on Saturday following the death of renowned Tamil film composer Deva. The musician, who was 75, passed away in Chennai, leaving a significant void in the world of Tamil cinema music.
Governor Arlekar highlighted Deva's unique contributions to the Tamil film industry, noting that his “sweet compositions and unforgettable songs” had secured him a special place in the music world. Arlekar emphasized that Deva's passing represents an irreplaceable loss for both the film industry and music lovers.
Chief Minister Vijay also shared his shock and sorrow over Deva's death. In a social media statement, Vijay praised Deva for captivating audiences with his folk songs, which resonated deeply with the common people. Vijay personally visited Deva's residence in T. Nagar to console his son, Srikanth Deva.
Deva's illustrious career spanned over 400 films across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada languages. He was celebrated for his ability to compose both mass songs and soulful melodies. His work earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Kalaimamani award.
DMK president M. K. Stalin reflected on Deva's impact, particularly his compositions for iconic Tamil cinema heroes like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. Stalin recalled how Deva's music for Rajinikanth films brought the composer immense fame, with songs like 'Autokaran' becoming ubiquitous in public spaces. Stalin also mentioned Deva's memorable scores for Kamal Haasan's films, such as Avvai Shanmugi and Panchathanthiram.
Stalin noted that despite the dominance of other legendary composers like Ilaiyaraaja and A. R. Rahman, Deva carved out a niche for himself in the industry. He described Deva as not only a creative musician but also a great human being, known for his friendly nature.
The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president, B. Manickam Tagore, expressed his deep sorrow, referring to Deva as 'Thenisai Thendral', a title conferred upon him by former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. Tagore highlighted Deva's ability to translate the emotions of the common man into unforgettable music, which defined the 90s generation.
Deva's extensive filmography includes beloved films such as Annamalai, Baashha, Aasai, Kadhal Kottai, Vaalee, and Kushi. His music continues to be cherished by fans and remains a significant part of Tamil cinema's musical heritage.
As fans and colleagues gathered at Deva's residence to pay their respects, the legacy of his music was evident. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry, ensuring that his work will be celebrated for generations to come.
