Veteran Tamil Music Composer Deva Death News: Veteran Tamil music composer and singer Deva has said goodbye to the world. Deva breathed his last at the age of 75 on October 17 in a hospital in Chennai. Deva has ruled the industry for almost four decades in his music career. Deva is one of those singers who has worked in all languages Tamil, Kannada, Telugu and Malayalam.
Deva has given music for more than 400 films in his career. The news of Deva's demise has left the South film industry in mourning. Blockbuster melody songs gave Deva real recognition. Let's know about Deva's best songs and her personal life…
Who is music composer Deva?
South music composer Deva's real name is Devanesan Chokalingam. The music industry knows him as Deva. On October 17, Deva breathed his last in a hospital in Chennai. According to news agency IANS, the reason for his death is not yet clear. Deva's mortal remains will be kept at his home in T Nagar, Chennai for the last darshan.
Deva got his real identity from 'Gaana' music in Tamil cinema, which is a style of the music world. Deva gave songs in more than 400 Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films in his career. Deva has been the biggest contributor to the world of Tamil film music.
Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Famous musician Deva has passed away due to health issues. Born in Mylapore, Chennai, Deva is credited with popularizing 'Gaana' music in Tamil cinema. He composed music for more than 400 films in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam cinema.
— IANS Hindi (@IANSkhabar) October 17, 2026
Songs given in more than 400 films
Deva's music career has spanned more than 4 decades. During his long career, he has composed songs and background scores for more than 400 films in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu and Malayalam cinema. Deva had also prepared the theme of the title card of the film of Rajinikanth, considered the superstar of the South and the God of the industry, which is used in his films till date.
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Devanesan Chokkalingam Best Songs
| Name of the movie (Movie) | Song Name |
| Baasha (Baasha 1995) | Autokaaran / Naan Autokaaran |
| Annamalai (Annamalai 1992) | Vanthenda Paalkaran |
| Aasai (Aasai 1995) | Konja Naal Poru Thalaivaa & Meenamma |
| Vaali (Vaali 1999) | April Maathathil & Oh Sona |
| Avvai Shanmugi (Avvai Shanmugi 1996) | Rukku Rukku & Kadhala Kadhala |
| Minsara Kanna (Minsara Kanna 1999) | Un Per Solla |
| Vetri Kodi Kattu 2000 | Karupputhan Yenakku |
| Panchatantram (Panchatanthiram 2002) | Vai Raja Vai |
Was fond of music since childhood
Devanesan Chokarlingam, born on 20 November 1950 in Mayilapur area of Chennai, was very fond of music since childhood. He learned to play guitar at a very young age. Deva has also taken classical music lessons. In the early days of his career, he worked as a music composer for Doordarshan and theater plays.
How did Devanesan Chockalingam enter films?
While working in theatres, Devanesan Chockalingam got a job in the 1989 Tamil film 'Manasukketha Maharasa'. He debuted as a music director in this film. However, he got his real recognition from the 1990 film 'Vaigasi Poranthachu'. He received the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Director for his songs in this film.
Devanesan Chokalingam's family has a deep connection with music.
Like Devanesan Chockalingam, his brother Sabesh-Murali are also well-known names in the Tamil film industry. Deva's brother Sabesh-Murali are known as the famous music director duo of Tamil film industry. The special thing is that Deva's son Srikanth Deva is also known as a music director in the Tamil industry. Whereas, his nephews Jai Jagannathan Sinder and Jai are actors.
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