Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi, Karthi mourn music director Deva's death
Synopsis
The sudden death of music director Deva on 17 October 2026 sent shockwaves through Tamil cinema. Kamal Haasan visited in person and posted an emotional tribute on X, recalling their work together on 'Avvai Shanmugi' and 'Panchatanthiram'. Vijay Sethupathi, Karthi, Nivin Pauly, and singer Saindhavi also mourned a composer whose Chennai gaana mastery made him one of Tamil film music's most beloved voices.
Key Takeaways
Music director Deva passed away suddenly, sending shock across the Tamil film industry on 17 October 2026 .
Kamal Haasan visited in person to pay his respects and shared a tribute on X , recalling films like 'Avvai Shanmugi' and 'Panchatanthiram' .
Vijay Sethupathi was among the first to publicly condole the death, describing the loss as ‘painful’.
Actor Karthi and Malayalam star Nivin Pauly also paid tributes on X .
Singer Saindhavi revealed that Deva had given her her very first song as a playback singer.
Actor, producer, and parliamentarian Kamal Haasan on Saturday, 17 October 2026, visited in person to pay his final respects to late music director Deva, whose sudden passing cast a deep shadow over the Tamil film industry. The veteran actor also shared a heartfelt condolence message on his X timeline, recalling the joy of their long creative partnership.
Kamal Haasan's Personal Tribute
Writing in Tamil, Kamal Haasan said, “The news of the demise of my dear brother Deva is shocking. He was someone who was full of enthusiasm and zeal and would laugh heartily at even little jokes.” He recalled cherished memories from their collaborations on celebrated films including 'Avvai Shanmugi', 'Pammal K. Sambandam', and 'Panchatanthiram', adding, “My heartfelt tribute to him. My deepest condolences and words of comfort to his family.”
Stars Across South Indian Industries React
Tamil actor Karthi, younger brother of actor Suriya, offered a moving tribute: “Deva sir's boundless energy and childlike innocence were as special as his music. He brought a unique joy to everything he did, and his melodies and vibrant Chennai gaana will always remain a part of our lives. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.”
Actor Vijay Sethupathi, one of the first to publicly mourn the loss, wrote in Tamil, “The demise of Deva sir, who has left his mark in the music world of Tamil films, is painful. His music and songs will continue to live on in our memories forever. My deepest condolences.”
Malayalam actor Nivin Pauly also took to his X timeline, writing, “Rest in peace Deva Sir...Your music will echo through generations.”
Singer Saindhavi's Heartfelt Farewell
Well-known playback singer Saindhavi, in an Instagram tribute, described Deva as “an extraordinary composer and a truly humble human being,” adding that he had given the industry “so much through his music.” She revealed a personal connection: “I feel fortunate to have received my very first song from him, a memory that will always remain special to me. Though the film is yet to be released, I will forever be grateful for the opportunity.” She extended her condolences to @srikanth_deva_official and the family.
Deva's Legacy in Tamil Film Music
Music director Deva was widely regarded as one of the most energetic and prolific composers in Tamil cinema, particularly celebrated for his mastery of Chennai gaana — a raw, street-rooted folk genre — and his ability to craft mass-appeal melodies. His sudden demise marks the loss of a distinctive musical voice that bridged folk traditions with mainstream Tamil commercial cinema. This outpouring of grief from across the South Indian film fraternity underscores both the depth of his personal relationships and the enduring impact of his body of work.
As the Tamil film industry mourns, tributes continue to pour in from colleagues, musicians, and fans alike, with many noting that Deva's compositions will remain an inseparable part of Tamil cultural memory for generations to come.
Point of View
Not merely an industry one. Mainstream obituaries risk reducing him to a string of hit films; the more important story is what happens to Chennai gaana as a living tradition now that one of its most visible champions is gone.
NationPress
17 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was music director Deva?
Deva was a celebrated Tamil film music director widely known for his energetic compositions and mastery of Chennai gaana, a raw folk-rooted genre. He composed music for numerous hit Tamil films and was regarded as one of the most prolific and beloved composers in the industry.
How did Kamal Haasan pay tribute to Deva?
Kamal Haasan visited in person to pay his final respects to Deva's mortal remains and posted a condolence message on X. He recalled their joyful creative partnership on films including 'Avvai Shanmugi', 'Pammal K. Sambandam', and 'Panchatanthiram'.
Which other celebrities condoled Deva's demise?
Actor Vijay Sethupathi was among the first to publicly mourn Deva's passing on X. Tamil actor Karthi, Malayalam actor Nivin Pauly, and playback singer Saindhavi also offered tributes through social media.
What did singer Saindhavi reveal about her connection to Deva?
Saindhavi disclosed that Deva had given her her very first playback song, describing the memory as one that would always remain special to her. She noted the film featuring that song is yet to be released.
What is Chennai gaana and why was Deva associated with it?
Chennai gaana is a raw, street-rooted Tamil folk music genre originating from the working-class neighbourhoods of Chennai. Deva was one of its most prominent champions in mainstream Tamil cinema, credited with bringing the genre to mass audiences through commercial films.
