Popular Tamil film music composer Deva dies at 75 in Chennai, multiple outlets report. He passes away at a private hospital, with several accounts noting he experienced illness or chest pain before his death. The news prompts tributes from actors, musicians and public figures, with fans and the film community mourning his loss.
Across coverage, outlets credit Deva with bringing Chennai’s “gaana” style into mainstream Tamil cinema and with a career spanning nearly four decades. Sources say he composed music for more than 400 films and created memorable songs and background scores for major stars, including Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. Several articles cite hits and film scores such as “Annamalai” (1992) and “Baasha” (1995), as well as Deva’s work on “Pammal K Sambandam” (2002) and “Panchathanthiram” (2002). Tributes also highlight his distinctive voice, his performances as a singer, and the cultural impact of his compositions.
While reports vary in emphasis—some focusing on his style and influence, others on his collaborations and star associations—there is broad agreement on his role in shaping Tamil film music and the scale of his work.