Superstar Rajinikanth paid his final respects to veteran Tamil music composer Deva, who died in Chennai on Saturday, October 17, at the age of 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest. The actor arrived at the composer’s residence on Saturday, appearing visibly emotional as he stood before Deva’s mortal remains and offered condolences to the family, according to reports.
Visuals from Deva’s residence showed the actor arriving to pay tribute to the late music composer. He did not speak to the media during his visit, according to Hungama Express.
Deva’s death was confirmed by his son, musician Shrikanth Deva, who told reporters that his father died following a cardiac arrest. Tributes have since poured in from across the film industry and political circles.
The composer, born Devanesan Chokkalingam, was popularly known by the title Thenisai Thendral, a name that reflected his distinctive musical style and energetic soundtracks. Over a career spanning nearly four decades, he became one of the most prolific composers in South Indian cinema.
Rajinikanth Recalls Deva and the Padayappa Decision
Rajinikanth subsequently shared a video message mourning the composer, recalling their collaborations on Annaamalai, Baashha and Arunachalam. According to Filmfare, he spoke about the difficult conversation he had with Deva when he decided to work with AR Rahman on Padayappa, and recalled Deva’s selfless response to the decision.
Rajinikanth appeared emotional while recounting the memory, in a gesture the Times of India described as characteristic of the bond the two shared over decades in Tamil cinema.
Deva’s signature title-card music, which accompanies the appearance of Rajinikanth’s name on screen, became an iconic part of the actor’s cinematic identity over more than three decades.
Rajinikanth and Deva: A Defining Musical Partnership
Deva shared a memorable musical association with Rajinikanth, composing for several of the superstar’s films, including Annamalai (1992), Baashha (1995) and Arunachalam (1997), according to news agency ANI.
Born Devanesan Chokkalingam on November 20, 1950, and popularly known as Thenisai Thendral, Deva composed music for more than 400 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam cinema, according to Filmfare. His best-known soundtracks include Annamalai, Baashha, Aasai, Kadhal Kottai, Vaalee and Kushi.
His signature sound, marked by lively rhythms and memorable melodies, helped define the musical landscape of Tamil cinema through the 1990s. Many of his songs remain staples at celebrations and public events across Tamil Nadu, a testament to their enduring popularity.
Deva’s Last Rites: State Honours Announced
Deva will receive a state funeral with full state honours on October 18, 2026, as announced by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, according to The Daily Jagran.
The chief minister later visited the residence to pay tribute to the late composer. Former Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK president MK Stalin also paid his last respects at Deva’s residence in T. Nagar, according to reports.
Actor Kamal Haasan, who collaborated with Deva on films such as Avvai Shanmugi, Pammal K. Sambandam and Panchatanthiram, wrote on X that the news was shocking and offered condolences to the family. Tributes also came from Vijay Sethupathi, Karthi, lyricist Vairamuthu, actor-politician Khushbu Sundar and Nivin Pauly.
The news comes even as Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2 continues its strong run at the box office, making the weekend a bittersweet one for the superstar’s fans.
Funeral arrangements are expected to draw large crowds of fans and industry colleagues. The state honours announced for the composer underline the cultural significance of his contribution to Tamil Nadu’s artistic heritage. For generations of moviegoers, his music remains inseparable from the biggest screen moments of the past four decades.