Tamil Nadu Governor Arlekar, CM Vijay express condolences over passing of composer Deva
Tamil Nadu leaders mourn Deva’s death, praising his folk-infused film music across 400+ films and calling him a great human being.
In a statement on social media, CM Vijay said State honours will be accorded to the music director during his funeral
Updated - October 17, 2026 04:20 pm IST
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay consoles Deva’s son Srikanth Deva, at the musician’s residence in T. Nagar | Photo Credit: B. Velankanni Raj
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.
#Deva | #TamilNadu CM #Vijay arrives at the T. Nagar residence of music director Deva, who passed away at 75 on Saturday, and is seen consoling his son Srikanth Deva. Photo: B. Velankanni Raj (@VelankanniRaj6) https://t.co/Xm7jCzS71a— The Hindu - Chennai (@THChennai) October 17, 2026
“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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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’.
People gather at the T. Nagar residence of music director #Deva, who passed away at the age of 75 on Saturday (October 17, 2026). Video: B. Velankanni Raj (@VelankanniRaj6) #devasir #MusicDirectorDeva https://t.co/J84yMbZLRv— The Hindu - Chennai (@THChennai) October 17, 2026
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.
Published - October 17, 2026 02:55 pm IST
Tamil cinema / Tamil Nadu
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