"Your songs & BGM will always travel lifelong."
Legendary South Indian music composer Deva has passed away at the age of 75, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy spanning over four decades.
He died on October 17, 2026, at Surya Hospital in Kodambakkam, Chennai, after suffering a heart attack.
The composer was admitted at around 8.30 AM on Saturday morning.
Reports indicate that he was in a private hospital in Chennai when he passed away.
Further details about the circumstances of his death are still awaited.
The news sent shockwaves through the South Indian film industry and among fans who had just celebrated his work at the opening of Jailer 2.
Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar was among the first to confirm and mourn his passing publicly.
She expressed particular disbelief given how recently she had seen him, writing:
“Absolutely devastated. Unbelievable.
“A man who was healthy and laughing, blessing and was part of us just 10 days ago is gone. It’s heartbreaking.
“Thenisai Thendral, as he was known, was indeed a man as sweet as honey and light-hearted as the wind.
“His contribution to the world of music and cinema is beyond. Gone too soon. Why??
“You will be missed, Deva Sir. Rest in peace.”
Actor Sibi Sathyaraj also paid a heartfelt tribute to the composer, highlighting the range and quality of his contributions to South Indian cinema:
“Extremely saddened to hear the passing away of Deva sir.
“A complete all-rounder when it came to music, be it songs or background score and several movies in the 90s and 2000s became super hits and blockbusters mainly for his music.
“A wonderful human being who was truly humble and was a delight for Directors and producers, and of course Lead actors loved him for the kind of Mass elevations he had given them!
“A huge loss to the Film industry. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, relatives and fans. RIP, dear sir.”
Vijay Sethupathi also shared his grief in a touching tribute that acknowledged the enduring quality of Deva’s musical contributions to Tamil cinema.
“The passing of the composer Deva sir, who left an indelible mark on the music world of Tamil cinema, brings immense sorrow.
“His music and songs will forever live in our memories. Deepest condolences.”
Singer Chinmayi also took to social media to express the profound loss she felt, writing”
“Just don’t know how to process the passing of Deva Sir. Huge loss.”
Fans were particularly struck by the timing of his death, coming just one day after his iconic composition for Rajinikanth had echoed through cinema halls.
One fan captured that bittersweet feeling, writing: “Just before a day was celebrating his composing in theatre. RIP Deva sir.
“Your songs & BGM will always travel lifelong.”
Deva’s iconic contribution to Rajinikanth’s cinematic identity remains one of the most recognisable musical signatures in the entire history of Indian cinema.
The famous intro music that plays as the ‘Super Star Rajni’ title card appears on screen was composed by Deva for the 1992 film Annamalai.
Known by the affectionate title Thenisai Thendral (the breeze of southern music), Deva was celebrated not just for his talent but for his warm nature as well.
