Deva, composer whose music announced Rajinikanth's stardom, dies at 75 in Chennai

CHENNAI: Deva, the music director whose "Superstar" title-card music has announced every Rajinikanth film since 1992, including the latest, Jailer 2, died in Chennai on Saturday. He was 75.

He complained of chest pain on Saturday morning and was taken to Surya Hospital. He died despite efforts to resuscitate him, doctors said.

The godfather of Gaana, Deva was a music director, lyricist and singer who took the street music of Chennai into mainstream cinema. He wrote and sang many of his own gaana numbers and was a rage through the 1990s. The songs he made popular are now sung even at international film events.

At a time when Ilaiyaraaja dominated Tamil cinema and AR Rahman was ushering in a musical revolution, Deva carved out his own identity by speaking the language of the common man. Rather than competing with the two musical stalwarts, he built his reputation on simple, catchy tunes, familiar rhythms and colloquial expressions that resonated with audiences. Affectionately known as Thenisai Thendral, he became one of the most sought-after composers of the 1990s.

For Rajinikanth, he created the vibe for the star's introductory songs, including those in Annamalai and Baashha. The Baashha theme became synonymous with Rajinikanth's screen persona, while Naan Autokaaran became an anthem for autorickshaw drivers in this part of the country. Deva also demonstrated his versatility through his association with Kamal Haasan, composing for films such as Avvai Shanmugi, which showcased a different musical sensibility from the larger-than-life hero themes he created for Rajinikanth.

Born Devanesan Chokkalingam on Nov 20, 1950, in Mylapore, he came to film music after working in television and stage shows. His early musical exposure included classical training under Dhanraj, Western musical studies and stage performances. He worked at Doordarshan's Podhigai channel and composed songs for the farming programme Vayalum Vaazhvum. While his brothers, Sabesh and Murali, were also in the music business, his son, Srikanth Deva, is a composer too.

Deva made his debut in 1989 with Manasukketha Maharaasaa. Prashanth's Vaikasi Porandhaachu in 1990 gave him his big break, establishing his ability to deliver accessible and emotionally engaging music. His other hits included Aasai, Kaadhal Kottai, Naerukku Ner, Vaali, Avvai Shanmugi, Kushi and Panchathanthiram. He worked in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam, and his scores run to more than 400 films.

Despite his success, Deva remained known for his humility and appreciation of fellow musicians. He spoke admiringly of Ilaiyaraaja and Rahman and welcomed the work of younger composers, maintaining a reputation for simplicity both in his music and in his personal demeanour.

Members of the film industry posted messages in memory of Deva.