Music director Srikanth Deva has penned a heartfelt note of gratitude on behalf of his family, thanking the Tamil film industry and well-wishers for their outpouring of support following the sudden passing of his father, legendary composer Deva, who died on 17 October 2026 at a private hospital in Chennai. The elder composer was 75.

Srikanth Deva's Message of Gratitude

Taking to his Instagram timeline, Srikanth Deva wrote on behalf of his family: 'On behalf of our family, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who stood by us during this difficult time following the loss of our beloved Deva Sir.' He specifically acknowledged cinema celebrities, actors, directors, music directors, musicians, lyricists, singers, media channels, journalists, and the broader film fraternity who paid their respects and offered condolences.

Srikanth added: 'Your presence, prayers, kind words, tributes and support have given our family immense strength and comfort during this difficult time. We are deeply touched by the love and respect shown towards our beloved father. Your affection is a reflection of the wonderful relationships and memories he built throughout his remarkable journey in the film industry.'

He concluded: 'Every gesture of kindness and every word of support will remain in our hearts forever. Thank you for honouring his legacy and standing with our family. We are forever grateful to each and every one of you.'

A Legacy Spanning Over 400 Films

Born on 20 November 1950, Deva — widely known by his title 'Thenisai Thendral' (Melody Breeze of the South) — composed music for over 400 films across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema over a career spanning four decades. He made his Tamil film debut in 1986 with 'Maatukaara Mannaru'.

He is credited with scoring some of superstar Rajinikanth's most celebrated films, including 'Annamalai', 'Baasha', and 'Arunachalam' — all of which became blockbusters and remain culturally significant in Tamil cinema. Deva was also instrumental in introducing the popular Gaana form of folk music to mainstream Tamil cinema, a contribution that set him apart from his contemporaries and left an indelible mark on the industry's sonic landscape.

Industry Reaction to His Passing

The news of Deva's death on 17 October sent shockwaves across the Tamil film industry, with tributes pouring in from across the entertainment world. The composer's sudden departure was widely described as an irreplaceable loss, given his role in shaping the soundtracks of a generation. His work bridged classical Tamil music traditions with popular commercial formats, earning him reverence among both fans and fellow artists.

What the Family Said

Srikanth Deva's note, widely shared across social media platforms, reflects the depth of gratitude the family holds for the collective industry response. 'We are forever grateful,' he wrote, underscoring that the public expressions of love reinforced the legacy their father had built over decades. The message is also seen as a dignified closure to the immediate period of mourning, signalling the family's readiness to honour Deva's memory going forward.