Entertainment · Indian Cinema · 29 mins ago
Tamil film composer Deva dies in Chennai at 75
Tamil composer Deva died in Chennai at 75 on Saturday, October 17.
He was known for bringing gaana, a Tamil folk music style, into mainstream films.
Across a career of nearly four decades, he composed music for more than 400 films in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.
His work included hit soundtracks and the Rajinikanth title-card theme used in his films.
Reports differ on the circumstances of his death, and the cause has not been confirmed.
His body is to be kept at his home in Chennai for people to pay their respects, while further details about final rites and tributes are awaited.
Tamil composer Deva died at a hospital in Chennai on October 17, aged 75.
Reports differ on the cause: DT Next said he died following a heart attack, while India Today said it had not been disclosed.
Deva composed songs and background scores for more than 400 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam cinema, according to several reports.
He was known for bringing Chennai’s gaana music into mainstream Tamil cinema.
His notable works included Annamalai, Baashha, Aasai and Kushi.
- Who
- Devanesan Chokkalingam, known as Deva, a Tamil film composer and singer.
- What
- He died at 75. DT Next reported a heart attack; India Today said the cause had not been disclosed.
- When
- Saturday, October 17, 2026.
- Where
- A hospital in Chennai. Cinema Express reported he was admitted to Surya Hospital.
- Why
- DT Next attributed his death to a heart attack; other reports did not confirm a cause.
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- Age
- 75
- Date of death
- October 17, 2026
- Location
- Chennai
- Film credits
- More than 400 films, according to India Today, DT Next and Cinema Express
- Tamil cinema debut
- Mattukkara Mannaru, 1986, according to India Today
- Notable award
- Tamil Nadu government's Kalaimamani award, according to Cinema Express
6 sources
Deva, the composer who took Chennai’s gaana to mainstream cinema, is no more
Veteran Tamil composer Deva dies at 75 in Chennai
Music composer Deva dies of heart attack at 75
இசையமைப்பாளர் தேவா காலமானார்
Veteran musician Deva passes away at 75