Tamil music composer Deva, known as Thenisai Thendral, died in Chennai on October 17, 2026, according to DT Next and Deccan Chronicle, with the age reported as 75 or 76.
Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced full State honours, and the funeral is scheduled for Arcot on October 18.
Deva worked on more than 400 films and won a Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Aasai.
Only one report mentions a heart attack, and the family’s statement was not included.
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.
The reports reviewed gave no statement from the composer’s family on the arrangements beyond the date and place of the funeral.
Readers can check official announcements from the Tamil Nadu government and the family for the schedule of the funeral.
Veteran Tamil music composer Deva, popularly known as Thenisai Thendral, died in Chennai on Saturday, October 17, 2026, according to DT Next, Deccan Chronicle and DNA India.
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.
DNA India described the Chief Minister’s tribute as emotional.
India.com reported that Rajinikanth visited the residence to pay tribute.
Kalaimamani is a state award given in Tamil Nadu for achievement in the arts.
Chennai (representative image), Wikimedia Commons, public domain
