DEVA

Deva – Full Biography and Filmography

Deva is a veteran Indian music composer known for his mass commercial hits, kuthu songs, and energetic background scores in Tamil cinema. He is often referred to as “Thenisai Thendral” (Breeze of Sweet Music) and was a leading composer in the 1990s and early 2000s. He played a crucial role in shaping the Gaana genre in Tamil film music.

Early Life and Background

  • Full Name: Devanesan Chokkalingam
  • Born: November 20, 1950
  • Birthplace: Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Family:
    • His son Srikanth Deva is also a music composer.
    • His brothers Sabesh and Murali assisted him in composing music.
  • Musical Training:
    • Learned Carnatic music at a young age.
    • Played the harmonium and keyboard for various music troupes before becoming an independent composer.

Film Career (Debut and Rise to Fame)

1988 to 1992 – Early Struggles and Breakthrough

  • Deva started his career composing for small-budget films.
  • His first major film was Manasukketha Maharasa (1989).
  • The breakthrough came with Vaigasi Poranthachu (1990) and Gunaa (1991), where his background score was highly praised.

1993 to 2000 – Peak Success and Mass Hits

Deva dominated Tamil cinema in the 1990s, composing for superstar Rajinikanth, Vijay, Ajith, and Kamal Haasan.

  • Baasha (1995) – One of the biggest Rajinikanth films, featuring iconic songs like Naan Autokaaran.
  • Aasai (1995) – Critically acclaimed soundtrack for Ajith’s film.
  • Sethupathi IPS (1994) – First hit for Vijayakanth.
  • Periya Marudhu (1994) – Rural blockbuster.
  • Amman Kovil Kizhakale (1996) – A folk and devotional music success.
  • Kadhal Kottai (1996) – National Award-winning film with a melodious album.
  • Nerrukku Ner (1997) – First film for Suriya, featuring hit songs.
  • Priyamudan (1998) – Vijay’s movie with an intense background score.
  • Vaali (1999) – Trendsetting psychological thriller with Ajith.
  • Kushi (2000) – One of Vijay’s best albums, featuring songs like Macarena Macarena.

2001 to 2010 – Continued Hits and Gaana Songs

  • Dheena (2001) – Gave Ajith the title “Thala” and had the famous Sollamal Thottu Chellum Thendral.
  • Minnale (2001) – Though the final album was by Harris Jayaraj, Deva originally composed some tracks.
  • Looty (2001) – Popular for its Gaana tracks.
  • Dhill (2001) – Vikram’s action movie with hit songs.
  • Youth (2002) – Vijay’s romantic film with catchy music.
  • Thirumalai (2003) – Another hit album for Vijay.
  • Sivakasi (2005) – Energetic commercial album.

2010 to Present – Selective Projects

  • Mappillai (2011) – Remake of Rajinikanth’s film with Dhanush.
  • Nagaram Marupakkam (2010) – Crime thriller soundtrack.
  • Anjaan (2014) – Collaborated for a folk song.
  • Junga (2018) – Featured a song in this film.

Awards and Recognition

  • Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Director for Aasai (1995).
  • Kalaimamani Award by the Government of Tamil Nadu.
  • Cinema Express Award for multiple films.
  • Known as the “Gaana King” for bringing Gaana songs into mainstream Tamil cinema.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS : 

YOUTUBE : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7b5LuckDlA0&pp=ygUURGV2YSBiaW9ncmFwaHkgdGFtaWw%3D