CHENNAI : Veteran Tamil film music composer and playback singer Deva, popularly known as ‘Thenisai Thendral’, passed away in Chennai on October 17, 2026, at the age of 75. Deva’s melodies, gaana numbers and iconic film scores remain an enduring part of Tamil cinema’s musical legacy. Here are 10 facts about the music director who left a lasting mark on Tamil cinema. 1. Birth: Deva was born Devanesan Chokkalingam on November 20, 1950. 2. Popular title: He earned the sobriquet ‘Thenisai Thendral’, meaning ‘breeze of sweet music’, for his contribution to film music. 3. Career spanning decades: De...