Kamal Haasan, Karthi, Nivin Pauly, Vijay Sethupathi Mourn Music Director Deva’s Demise

CHENNAI— Leading film personalities, including Kamal Haasan, Karthi, Nivin Pauly and Vijay Sethupathi, on Saturday condoled the demise of veteran music director Deva, whose sudden death has left the South Indian film industry in shock and mourning.

Actor, producer and parliamentarian Kamal Haasan personally visited to pay his last respects to the music director and later shared an emotional tribute on social media.

In a message posted on X, formerly Twitter, Haasan recalled his fond memories of Deva, describing him as a lively and enthusiastic person who could laugh heartily even at the smallest jokes.

“The news of the demise of my dear brother Deva is shocking,” Haasan said in Tamil.

Recalling their association on films such as Avvai Shanmugi, Pammal K. Sambandam and Panchatanthiram, the actor said memories of the joyful moments they shared while working together had come flooding back.

He paid his heartfelt tribute to the composer and extended his deepest condolences to Deva’s family.

Nivin Pauly Remembers Deva’s Musical Legacy

Malayalam actor Nivin Pauly also expressed his grief over the composer’s death, highlighting the enduring power of his music.

“Rest in peace Deva Sir…Your music will echo through generations,” Pauly wrote on X.

His message reflected the widespread appreciation for Deva’s work, which reached audiences beyond the Tamil film industry.

Karthi Recalls His Energy and Chennai Gaana

Tamil actor Karthi, the younger brother of actor Suriya, remembered Deva for his distinctive personality and musical contributions.

“Deva sir’s boundless energy and childlike innocence were as special as his music,” Karthi wrote.

He added that the composer brought a unique sense of joy to everything he did, while his melodies and vibrant Chennai gaana would remain part of people’s lives.

Karthi also extended his heartfelt condolences to Deva’s family and friends.

Deva was widely associated with popularizing Chennai gaana in Tamil cinema, bringing the energetic, street-rooted musical style to mainstream audiences through his compositions.

Vijay Sethupathi Pays Tribute to a Tamil Music Icon

Actor Vijay Sethupathi was among the first to express his condolences following the news of Deva’s demise.

In a message posted in Tamil, Sethupathi described the composer’s death as painful and remembered his lasting imprint on Tamil film music.

He said Deva’s music and songs would continue to live in people’s memories forever, while conveying his deepest condolences.

Singer Saindhavi Recalls a Special Connection

Singer Saindhavi also paid an emotional tribute to the late composer on Instagram, describing him as an extraordinary musician and a humble human being whose contributions to the industry would always be cherished.

“Deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Deva sir. An extraordinary composer and a truly humble human being, he has given us so much through his music,” she wrote.

The singer revealed that she felt fortunate to have received her very first song from Deva, describing the opportunity as a memory she would always treasure.

Although the film featuring the song is yet to be released, she said she would remain grateful for the experience.

Calling his death a huge loss to the world of music, Saindhavi extended her condolences to Deva’s family, including his son, music director Srikanth Deva, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

The tributes from across the film industry underline Deva’s enduring influence on Tamil cinema and the affection he commanded among colleagues. Beyond his memorable compositions, those who worked with him remembered a man whose warmth, enthusiasm and distinctive musical style left a lasting impression.

As colleagues and admirers mourn his passing, Deva’s songs remain an enduring part of the musical legacy he leaves behind.—IANS