Deva’s demise a great loss to Tamil Cinema: Chief Minister Vijay

Popular Tamil film music composer Deva passed away in Chennai on Saturday following a heart attack, prompting tributes from Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.
In a message posted on his X account, Chief Minister Vijay expressed shock and deep sorrow over the death of the veteran composer, popularly known as “Thenisai Thendral” Deva.
Describing Deva as a distinctive music composer who won the hearts of ordinary people through his popular gana songs, Vijay said the musician had made significant contributions to the Tamil film industry.
Deva composed music for more than 400 films in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. He also wrote and sang numerous gana songs, earning a special place among music lovers. His contributions were recognised with several awards, including the Kalaimamani award.
Vijay said Deva’s musical journey and songs would remain an enduring part of Indian film music history. He described the composer’s death as a great loss to the Tamil film industry and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, relatives, friends, members of the film fraternity and music lovers.
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar also expressed grief over Deva’s demise.
In his condolence message, the Governor said Deva had made outstanding contributions to Tamil film music and occupied a special place in the hearts of millions of music lovers. He added that the composer had left an indelible mark on Tamil cinema through his music. The death of the celebrated composer has brought an end to a remarkable musical journey that left a lasting impression on generations of film audiences.