# Death of Tamil music composer Deva

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/death-of-tamil-music-composer-deva
> Updated: 2026-10-21T17:54:41.000Z. Sources: 32. Developments: 2.

Veteran South Indian music composer Deva, known as ‘Thenisai Thendral’, passed away at age 75 following a sudden cardiac arrest in Chennai on October 17, 2026. His career spanned nearly four decades, during which he composed music for over 400 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema, notably popularizing the ‘gaana’ folk music genre.

Following his death, numerous prominent figures from the film and political sectors, including Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and AR Rahman, paid tribute to his legacy. Kamal Haasan described him as a ‘vibrant soul and a dear brother’. In Ranipet, participants from the music reality show SA Re Ga Ma honored him by performing his hits and placing a floral wreath at his tomb.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-21: Tamil music composer Deva passes away

Legendary Tamil music composer Deva has passed away. The industry veteran, known for his work on over 400 films, was honored by colleagues including Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tamil-music-composer-deva-passes-away

### 2026-10-17: Music composer Deva dies at 75 in Chennai

Legendary South Indian music composer Deva, known for popularizing gaana music and scoring hits for Rajinikanth, has died at age 75 in Chennai following a heart attack.

32 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tamil-film-composer-deva-passes-away-at-75

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Cite as: Death of Tamil music composer Deva. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/death-of-tamil-music-composer-deva