There are composers whose music people remember, and composers whose kindness people remember just as much. As Tamil cinema mourned the death of veteran music director Deva on Saturday, superstar Rajinikanth made it clear that his friend belonged to both groups.
Rajinikanth’s tribute centered on how happy Deva had been in his final years. Recalling a visit two-and-a-half years ago, he said Deva had told him: “Everyone is doing concerts. I too would like to do concerts. You must come and inaugurate my concert.” Rajinikanth said, “I very happily went and participated in that event.”
What followed was a new chapter for the composer. “Deva then did concerts abroad and was very successful. He came after going on a tour to meet me. Three months ago, he came after going to either Canada or Australia and said, ‘I am very happy. Youngsters are welcoming me so happily. I am feeling so happy Rajini sir. With this happiness, I will live for another 10 to 15 years,'” Rajinikanth recalled.