Renowned Tamil composer Deva, creator of Rajinikanth’s iconic intro music, dies at 75
Music director Deva, famed for the title-card theme that has introduced every Rajinikanth film since the early 1990s, died at 75 in Chennai after a sudden chest pain.
Deva, whose real name is Devanesan Chokkalingam, passed away in Chennai at the age of 75 after being admitted to Surya Hospital with chest pain. Celebrated as the godfather of Gaana, he brought Chennai’s street music into mainstream cinema, creating over 400 film scores that emphasized simple melodies and colloquial lyrics. His most recognizable work is the “Superstar” title-card music that has opened every Rajinikanth film since 1992, notably the Baashha theme, as well as songs for Kamal Haasan’s Avvai Shanmugi.
Beginning his career with television and stage performances, he later worked at Doordarshan’s Podhigai channel before breaking through with the 1990 film Vaikasi Porandhaachu. Deva’s brothers Sabesh and Murali are also music professionals, and his son Srikanth Deva continues the family’s composing legacy. Industry peers praised his humility and his respect for fellow composers like Ilaiyaraaja and A.R. Rahman.
Why it matters
Deva’s death marks the loss of a pivotal figure who shaped modern Tamil film music and popular culture.
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