Thenisai Thendral Deva, a revered figure in Tamil cinema music, passed away on Saturday at the age of 75. The veteran composer died at a private hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival despite efforts to revive him.
Deva, born as Devanesan Chokkalingam, initially worked for the Public Works Department in Tamil Nadu before making his mark in the film industry. His career as a music composer began with the 1986 film Mattukkara Mannaru. Although the film did not perform well at the box office, its music later gained popularity.
His breakthrough came with the 1990 film Vaikasi Poranthachu, which earned him the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Director. The 1992 Rajinikanth-starrer Annamalai further cemented his status, with its songs becoming major hits.
Deva's contributions to Tamil cinema were celebrated by many, including DMK president M. K. Stalin, who highlighted his ability to compose both mass songs and soulful melodies. Stalin noted Deva's significant role in an industry dominated by giants like Ilaiyaraaja and A. R. Rahman, and remembered him as a great human being.
Tributes poured in from across the industry. Actor Kamal Haasan described Deva as a vibrant soul, recalling their collaborations on films such as Avvai Shanmugi and Panchathanthiram. Haasan expressed his condolences to Deva's family.
Actor Vijay Sethupathi expressed deep sorrow over Deva's passing, affirming that his music will live on in memories. Malayalam star Nivin Pauly also paid homage, stating that Deva's music will echo through generations.
Deva's influence extended beyond Tamil cinema. He composed music for over 400 films across various languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. His work in films such as Baashha, Aasai, Kadhal Kottai, Vaalee, and Kushi remains cherished by fans and critics alike.
Actor-choreographer Prabhu Deva and actor-director RJ Balaji also shared their memories of working with the composer. Prabhu Deva praised the timeless quality of Deva's music, while Balaji cherished their collaboration on Mookuthi Amman.
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president B. Manickam Tagore described Deva as the voice of the 90s generation, emphasizing the lasting impact of his gaana numbers and melodies.
Deva's legacy is marked by his unique style and deep connection to the genre of gaana music, which he believed was inseparable from the cultural fabric of Chennai. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the film music industry, ensuring that his work will continue to inspire future generations.
