Chennai, 18 Oct 2026: Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Saturday expressed shock and grief over the demise of veteran Music Director Deva, popularly known as 'Thenisai Thendral', and described his passing as an irrepa rable loss to the Tamil film industry.
In his condolence message, the Chief M inister said Deva had carved a unique place in Tamil cinema and won the hearts of ordi nary people through his popular Gaana songs.
Recalling the veteran composer's contributions, Vijay said Deva had com posed music for more than 400 films in Tamil, Telugu, Mala yalam and Kannada. Besides composing music, he had written and sung several Gaana songs that became widely popular among music lovers.
The Chief Minister said Deva, who received several honours, including the Kalaimamani Awa rd, would always be remembered for his remarkable musical journey and timeless songs.
“ His musical journey and songs will remain forever in the history of film music. His passing is a great loss to the Tamil film industry,” Vijay said.
He extended his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to Deva's bereaved family members, rela tives, friends, members of the film fraternity and music lovers.