Who was Deva? The Tamil composer known as Thenisai Thendral

Deva was a Tamil film music composer known as Thenisai Thendral.

Deva died in Chennai on October 17.

Deva worked on more than 400 films in four South Indian languages.

Honours included the Kalaimamani title and a Tamil Nadu State Film Award.

The state will conduct the funeral with full honours.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay paid respects at the residence and announced that the final rites will be held with full State honours, according to Deccan Chronicle and DNA India.

Vijay called the death an irreplaceable loss to Tamil cinema, according to the reports.

The state government recognised the composer’s contribution to the music industry and the local flavour brought to Tamil film music, according to the reports.

Actor Rajinikanth and DMK president M K Stalin visited the T Nagar residence to pay their respects, according to India.com and other reports.

The funeral is scheduled for Arcot, the composer’s native town, on October 18, according to the reports.

Deva worked on more than 400 films in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada, according to the reports.

The honours include the Kalaimamani title and the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Director for Aasai in 1995, according to the reports.

The Tamil Nadu State Film Awards list also credits the composer for Khushi in 2000 and Vaigasi Poranthachu in 1990.

Tributes from film personalities and political leaders continued to be posted on social media on Saturday.

A State funeral with honours usually includes a police guard of honour and the national or state flag on the body, as per the state’s protocol.

Gulte’s report identifies the composer as the music director of the Telugu film Tholi Prema.

The announcement of State honours was reported by DT Next, Deccan Chronicle, DNA India and LatestLY on October 17.

Deccan Chronicle reported that the Chief Minister paid respects to the mortal remains.

Chennai (representative image), Wikimedia Commons, public domain