Veteran music director Deva dies at 76
Beyond mainstream film music, Deva earned a distinct place in Tamil cinema through his Gaana compositions, which blended local rhythms and colloquial lyrics with accessible melodies
Veteran Tamil music composer Deva, popularly known as ‘Thenisai Thendral’ and the ‘Godfather of Gana songs’, passed away in Chennai on Saturday (October 17). He was 76.
The composer died of cardiac arrest after being admitted to Suriya Hospital in Chennai. His son, music composer Srikanth Deva, was seen in tears at the hospital following his father’s death.
King of Gaana
Deva was one of the prominent composers in Tamil cinema, with a career spanning several decades. He earned widespread recognition for his catchy tunes, energetic compositions and his contribution to popularising Gaana music, a genre rooted in Chennai’s working-class neighbourhoods.
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He composed music for several leading actors, including Rajinikanth, Vijay and Ajith Kumar, delivering soundtracks that became popular among audiences. His collaborations with Rajinikanth, in particular, produced some of Tamil cinema’s memorable musical moments.
Connection with Rajinikanth
Deva composed the music for Rajinikanth-starrers Annamalai and Baashha, both of which became major hits. The songs and background scores from these films contributed to their enduring popularity, while his music for Rajinikanth’s iconic title cards became a defining feature of the superstar’s on-screen persona.
Beyond mainstream film music, Deva earned a distinct place in Tamil cinema through his Gaana compositions, which blended local rhythms and colloquial lyrics with accessible melodies. His work helped bring the genre to a wider audience and earned him the enduring sobriquet ‘Godfather of Gaana songs’.
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Over the years, Deva composed music for numerous Tamil films and worked with several generations of actors and filmmakers. His compositions ranged from mass entertainers to melodies that remained popular with listeners long after their release.
He is survived by his wife, son Srikanth Deva and two daughters.