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AR Rahman pays tribute to veteran Tamil composer Deva after his death at 75, saying his melodies touched generations and will continue to resonate.
AR Rahman pays tribute to veteran composer Deva after his death at 75.
AR Rahman has paid an emotional tribute to veteran Tamil music composer Deva, who died in Chennai on Saturday, October 17. The celebrated composer, popularly known as “Thenisai Thendral”, was 75.
Deva was rushed to a private hospital in Chennai after suffering health complications on Saturday morning. Multiple reports said he suffered a heart attack and died despite efforts to revive him. His death prompted tributes from across the Tamil film and music industries.
Rahman shared a photograph of himself with Deva on X and remembered the late musician for the melodies that became part of Tamil cinema across generations.
AR Rahman Remembers Deva’s ‘Mellifluous Melodies’
Sharing his condolences, Rahman wrote, “The passing of our beloved ‘Thenisai Thendral’ Deva Aiyyah brings immense sorrow. His mellifluous melodies, intertwined with the soul of Tamil music, have touched the hearts of many generations. They will continue to resonate in the times to come.”
நமது அன்பிற்குரிய ‘தேனிசைத் தென்றல்’ தேவா ஐயாவின் மறைவு மிகுந்த துயரத்தை அளிக்கிறது. தமிழ் இசையின் ஆன்மாவோடு பிணைந்த அவரது மெல்லிசைகள், பல தலைமுறையினரின் இதயங்களைத் தொட்டுள்ளன. அவை வரும் காலங்களிலும் தொடர்ந்து ஒலித்துக்கொண்டே இருக்கும்.அவரது குடும்பத்தினர், நண்பர்கள் மற்றும் ரசிகர்களுக்கு எனது ஆழ்ந்த இரங்கலைத் தெரிவித்துக்கொள்கிறேன். அவரது ஆன்மா அமைதியில் நிலைபெறட்டும். 🤲
— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) October 17, 2026
He concluded his note by extending condolences to Deva’s loved ones.
“I convey my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fans. May his soul attain peace,” Rahman added.
The Oscar-winning composer also posted a picture in which the two musicians are seen standing together.
Deva Helped Take Gaana Music Into Mainstream Tamil Cinema
Born Devanesan Chokkalingam on November 20, 1950, Deva became one of Tamil cinema’s most prolific composers, working on more than 400 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam cinema during a career spanning several decades.
He became particularly associated with the popularisation of Chennai’s gaana sound in mainstream films, while also composing romantic melodies, devotional tracks and background scores.
Among his best-known works are Annamalai, Baashha, Aasai, Kadhal Kottai, Nerrukku Ner, Vaalee and Kushi. His music for Rajinikanth’s Annamalai also produced the signature “Super Star” title-card theme that continued to be associated with the actor for years.
Deva received several honours during his career, including the Tamil Nadu government’s Kalaimamani award and the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Director for Aasai.
Tributes Pour In From Tamil Film Industry
Several members of the film fraternity mourned Deva following news of his death.
Khushbu Sundar said she was “absolutely devastated”, recalling that she had met him only around 10 days earlier and describing him as someone whose contribution to music and cinema went far beyond individual films. Actor Sibi Sathyaraj also remembered Deva as an “allrounder” whose songs and background scores played a major role in several hits during the 1990s and 2000s.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay also paid tribute to the composer, and the state government announced that Deva would be accorded full State honours.
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Ask News18Veteran Tamil music composer Deva passed away at the age of 75 after being rushed to a private hospital in Chennai following health complications. Multiple reports indicated he suffered a heart attack and unfortunately passed away despite revival efforts.
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Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he\’s breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, he’s always…Read More
October 17, 2026, 23:00 IST