Deva (composer)

Indian film composer and singer

Deva

Deva at KJ Yesudas 50 Concert Press Meet

Background information
Birth name| Devanesan Chokkalingam
Born|  (1950-11-20) 20 November 1950 (age 74)[1]
Origin| Tamil Nadu, India
Occupation(s)| Film composer, music director
Instrument(s)| Vocals (playback singing), guitar, keyboard/harmonium/piano
Years active| 1988–present

Musical artist

In this Indian name, the name Chokkalingam is a patronymic, and the person should be referred to by the given name, Devanesan or Deva.

Devanesan Chokkalingam, also known as Deva, is a Tamil film composer and singer who predominantly works in Tamil Cinema. He has composed songs and provided background music for Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Malayalam films in a career spanning about 36 years. He is also famous for the controversy of copying tunes for his movie songs inspired from many english albums like Blue, Back street boys and Dr alban etc. He has composed music for more than 400 films.[2]

## Personal life

[edit]

Deva was born on 20 November 1950 to M. C. Chokkalingam and M. C. Krishnaveni. Even in his childhood, Deva was attracted to the world of music. Teaming up with Chandra Bose, he staged many musical programmes. He started learning classical music under JB Krishna and continued the same with Dhanraj and has completed a course in Western music at Trinity College of Music in London. His son Srikanth Deva is also a music director, as are his brothers, who have formed the duo Sabesh–Murali. His nephew Jai is an actor. Srikanth's wife Febi is a playback singer.

## Career

[edit]

Before coming to cinema, Deva worked for some time in Doordarshan Podhigai channel and composed songs for the show Vayalum Vaazhvum.[3] In those days, Deva's brothers were working in the musical troupes of Illayaraja and other music directors as instrumentalists. His first film, Manasukketha Maharasa, was released in 1989. He was then called to work on the movie Vaigasi Poranthachu. After the release of Vaikaasi Poranthaachu, his name became known throughout the Tamil community.[1]

The great music composer M. S. Viswanathan called him “thenisai thendral”, or the breeze of sweet music. So far, he has composed music for more than 400 films, which include Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam films. He is also famous for his compositions for religious films. He was widely acclaimed for his scores for the Rajinikanth starrer Annamalai (1992) and Baashha (1995).

In 1996, Deva composed tunes for 36 movies. His scores played a big role in the emergence of actors Ajith and Vijay, with hits such as Aasai (1995), Kadhal Kottai (1996), Nerrukku Ner (1997), Ninaithen Vandhai (1998), Priyamudan (1998), Vaalee (1999), Kushi (2000) helping them establish themselves as the next-generation superstars.[4]

In 2014, Anirudh Ravichander chose Deva to sing a gaana song in his album Maan Karate.[5]

In 2023, Deva collaborated with lyricist Alpha Something and game developer Visai Games to create a song for the video game Venba, drawing heavily from themes of Tamil culture.[6][7][8]

## Awards

[edit]

In 1990, he received his first Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Director. He received the Tamil Nadu Government's Kalaimamani Award in the year 1992. In 1995, the film Aasai brought him another state film award. For Baashha, he got the Tamil Nadu Arts and Cultural Academy Award. He received an award by Guinness world records for Sivappu Mazhai as the world fastest movie from script to screening. He has also been honoured by awards from popular journals like Dinakaran, Cinema Express and Screen. He won the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director - Kannada film Amrutha Varshini.[9][10]

## Discography

[edit]

### Tamil films

[edit]

Year | Film Title | Notes

|
|

1986 | Maattukara Mannaru | Debut film as a composer
1989 | Manasukketha Maharasa |
1990 | Vaigasi Poranthachu | Winner Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Director
Namma Ooru Poovatha |
Mannukketha Maindhan | Not Released
1991 | Naadu Adhai Naadu |
Pudhu Manithan |
Marikozhundhu |
Aatha Un Koyilile |
Mill Thozhilali |
Vaidehi Kalyanam |
Mangalyam Thanthunane |
Vasanthakala Paravai |
Kizhakku Karai |
Oyilattam |
Vaasalil Oru Vennila |
En Pottukku Sonthakkaran |
Vaidehi Vandhachu |
Thoothu Po Chellakkiliye |
Thambi Oorukku Pudhusa |
Nadodi Kadhal | Not Released
Neelakuyile Neelakuyile | Not Released
1992 | Brahmachari |
Ilavarasan |
Periya Gounder Ponnu |
Government Mappillai |
Kasthuri Manjal |
Thangarasu | 25th Film
Therku Theru Machan |
Tamil Ponnu |
Oor Mariyadhai |
Unakkaga Piranthen |
Pokkiri Thambi |
Pudhusa Padikkiren Paattu |
Kizhakku Velathachu |
Amma Vanthachu |
Annamalai |
Vasantha Malargal |
Pattathu Raani |
Suriyan |
Kottai Vaasal |
Pondatti Rajyam |
Mouna Mozhi |
Kizhakku Veedhi |
Samundi |
Natchathira Nayagan |
Solaiyamma |
Sooriya Namaskaram | Not Released
1993 | Pudhu Piravi |
Madurai Meenakshi |
Suriyan Chandiran |
Madhumathi |
Vedan | 50th Film
Idhaya Nayagan |
Munarivippu |
Band Master |
Nallathe Nadakkum |
Thanga Pappa |
Pass Mark |
Maravan |
Moondravadhu Kann |
Karuppu Vellai |
Akkarai Cheemayile |
Rajadurai |
Kattabomman |
Muthupandi |
Purusha Lakshanam |
Rojavai Killathe |
Kizhakke Varum Paattu |
Senthoorapandi |
Shenbagam |
Nee Oru Thanipiravi | Not Released
1994 | Veettai Paaru Naattai Paaru |
Subramaniya Swamy |
Chinna Muthu |
Aranmanai Kaavalan |
En Rajangam |
Indhu | 75th Film
Vaa Magale Vaa |
Namma Annachi |
Pathavi Pramanam |
Sevatha Ponnu |
Manasu Rendum Pudhusu |
Maindhan |
Rasigan  |
Watchman Vadivel |
Thamarai |
Sarigamapadani |
En Aasai Machan |
Killadi Mappillai |
Raja Pandi |
Thai Maaman |
Pattukottai Periyappa |
Ilaignar Ani |
Jallikattu Kaalai |
Veera Padhakkam |
Nila |
Magudikkaran |
Pandiyanin Rajyathil |
Thaai Manasu |
Manja Virattu |
Kizhakku Pakkam Kathiru | Not Released
Maappillai Thozhan | Not Released
1995 | Karuppu Nila |
Kattumarakaaran | Songs by Ilaiyaraja. Background Score by Deva
Baashha |
Veluchami | 100th Film
Gangai Karai Paattu |
Deva |
Chinna Mani |
En Pondatti Nallava |
Thirumoorthy |
Chellakannu |
Sandhaikku Vandha Kili |
Rani Maharani |
Thamizhachi |
Anbu Magan |
Marumagan |
Pullakuttikaran |
Gandhi Pirantha Mann |
Chakravarthy |
Vishnu |
Nadodi Mannan |
Aasai | Winner Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Director
Sindhu Bath |
Thaikulame Thaikulame |
Aakaya Pookal |
Ilavarasi |
Seethanam |
Varraar Sandiyar | 125th Film
Mannai Thottu Kumbidanum |
Dear Son Maruthu |
Karutha Machan | Not Released
1996 | Parambarai |
Thayagam |
Thirumbi Paar |
Vaanmathi |
Mahaprabhu |
Kalloori Vaasal |
Summa Irunga Machan |
Puthiya Parasakthi |
Mappillai Manasu Poopola |
Maanbumigu Maanavan |
Kaalam Maari Pochu |
Pudhu Nilavu |
Veettukulle Thiruvizha |
Kadhal Kottai |
Tamizh Selvan |
Vishwanath |
Sivasakthi |
Parivattam |
Avvai Shanmugi |
Gokulathil Seethai |
Kalki |
Panchalankurichi |
Senathipathi |
Gopala Gopala | 150th Film
Deiva Saatchi | Not Released
1997 | Dharma Chakkaram |
Kaalamellam Kaathiruppen |
Nalla Manasukkaran |
Periya Thambi |
Bharathi Kannamma |
Nesam |
Kaalamellam Kadhal Vaazhga |
Ettupatti Rasa |
Vaimaye Vellum |
Mannava |
Mappillai Gounder |
Arunachalam |
Vallal |
Sishya |
Pongalo Pongal |
Pasamulla Pandiyare |
Once More |
Kaadhali |
Pagaivan |
Kadhal Palli |
Sathi Sanam |
Abhimanyu |
Adimai Changili |
Kalyana Vaibhogam |
Nerukku Ner |
Pathhini |
Aahaa..! | 175th Film
Periya Manushan |
Porkkaalam |
Vidukadhai |
Thadayam |
Rettai Jadai Vayasu |
Chachi 420 | Hindi film; BGM only
Remake of Avvai Shanmugi
Pudhalvan |
Adhanda Idhanda | Released in 2003
Charumathi | Not Released
Santharpam | Not Released
1998 | Kaadhale Nimmadhi |
Sundara Pandian |
Vaettiya Madichu Kattu |
Santhosham |
Ninaithen Vandhai |
Ponnu Velayira Bhoomi | 200th Film
Iniyavale |
Priyamudan |
Natpukkaga |
Sandhippoma |
En Aasai Rasave |
Ellame En Pondattithaan |
Kannedhirey Thondrinal |
Unnudan |
En Uyir Nee Thaane |
Urimai Por |
Veeram Vilanja Mannu |
Pudhumai Pithan |
Gurupaarvai |
Sivappu Nila |
Bhagavath Singh |
Rosappoo Chinna Rosappoo | Not Released
Rukkumani | Not Released
Thambikku Thaai Manasu | Not Released
1999 | Nee Enakku Uyiramma |
Kallazhagar |
Ninaivirukkum Varai |
Unnai Thedi |
Chinna Raja |
Ullathai Killathe |
Vaalee |
Annan Thangachi |
Anantha Poongatre |
Nenjinile |
Oruvan |
Suyamvaram | 1 Song
Viralukketha Veekkam |
Kanave Kalaiyadhe |
Ponvizha | 225th Film
Kannodu Kanbathellam |
Minsara Kanna |
Anbulla Kadhalukku |
Hello |
Maanaseega Kadhal |
Ooty |
Pudhu Kudithanam |
Iraniyan |
Sundari Neeyum Sundaran Naanum |
Unnaruge Naan Irundhal |
Azhagarsamy |
Aasaiyil Oru Kaditham |
Kadhal Solla Vandhen | Not Released
2000 | Eazhaiyin Sirippil |
Thai Poranthachu |
Mugavaree |
Sandhitha Velai |
Vallarasu |
Veeranadai |
Kushi | Winner Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Director
Appu |
Ennamma Kannu |
Vetri Kodi Kattu |
Koodi Vazhnthal Kodi Nanmai |
Independence Day |
Kannaal Pesavaa |
Krodham 2 | 250th Film
Sabhash |
Unnai Kann Theduthey |
Ninaivellam Nee | Co-composed by M. S. Viswanathan
Uyirile Kalanthathu |
Kannukku Kannaga |
Vaanavil |
Seenu |
Manasu |
Manu Needhi |
Chandramathy | Not Released
Kadhal Vandhiruchu | Not Released
2001 | Looty |
Engalukkum Kaalam Varum |
En Purushan Kuzhandhai Maadhiri |
Ninaikkatha Naalillai |
Sri Raja Rajeshwari |
Citizen |
Love Channel |
Dosth |
Lovely |
Kalakalappu |
Chocklet |
Maayan |
Veettoda Mappillai | 275th Film
Kabadi Kabadi |
Love Marriage |
Azhagana Naatkal |
Kadal Pookkal |
Kottai Mariamman |
Ulagai Vilai Pesava | Not Released
2002 | Pammal K. Sambandam |
Red |
Vivaramana Aalu |
Nettru Varai Nee Yaaro |
123 |
Panchathanthiram |
Maaran |
Samasthanam |
Bagavathi |
Virumbugiren |
Vinnodum Mugilodum | Not Released
2003 | Annai Kaligambal |
Chokka Thangam |
Ramachandra | 300th Film
Military |
Dum |
Kadhal Sadugudu |
Indru Mudhal |
Success |
Vani Mahal |
Kadhal Kirukkan |
Thathi Thavadhu Manasu |
Soori |
Indru |
2004 | Engal Anna |
Adi Thadi |
Kavidhai |
Jore |
Super Da |
Loves |
Sound Party |
Azhagesan |
Gajendra |
Maha Nadigan |
Jaisurya |
Ramakrishna | 325th Film
2005 | Devathayai Kanden |
Girivalam |
Englishkaran |
Selvam |
Varapogum Sooriyane |
Sivakasi | Songs by his son
Background Score Only
Saadhuriyan |
Vanakkam Thalaiva |
Kadhalanathey | Not Released
2006 | 47A Besant Nagar Varai |
Uyir Ezhuthu | Not Released
Solli Addipen | Not Released[11]
2007 | Thirumagan |
Nanbanin Kadhali |
Manikanda |
Adavadi | 350th Film
Viyabari |
Moondram Pournami | movie released in 2023
En Uyirinum Melana |
Cheena Thaana 001 |
Pasupathi c/o Rasakkapalayam |
2008 | Kodaikanal |
2009 | Enga Raasi Nalla Raasi |
Saamy Sonna Saridhan |
Aarumugam |
Suriyan Satta Kalloori |
2010 | Sivappu Mazhai |
Kutti Pisasu |
Pen Singam |
2012 | Mattuthavani |
Kondaan Koduthaan | 375th Film
2014 | Dummy Tappasu |
2016 | Mugappair Sri Kanaka Durga |
2017 | Unnai Thottu Kolla Vaa |
2021 | Sillu Vandugal |
2022 | Amaichar |
2023 | Jambu Maharishi |
Kakkan |
Colony  |
Thoongadha Vizhigal Naangu  |
Va Varalam Va |
Peter  |

### Kannada films

[edit]

Year | Film Title | Notes

|
|

1997 | Raja |
Amrutha Varshini | Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Kannada
2000 | Independence Day |
Vande Matharam |
Galate Aliyandru |
Jithendra |
2001 | Kotigobba | Remake of Baasha
Reused two songs from Baasha
Reused one song from Arunachalam
2002 | Naanu Naane |
Nata | Remake of Priyamudan
Reused four songs from Priyamudan
Sainika |
Simhadriya Simha | Remake of Nattamai
reused one song from said film
2003 | Vijayadashami |
Raja Narasimha | Reused one song from Madhumathi (1993)
2004 | Kadamba | Reused one song from Annamalai
2005 | Vishnu Sena |
2008 | Akasha Gange |
2010 | Bombat Car |
2011 | Olave Mandara |
2012 | Super Shastri |
2016 | Bheeshma |

### Telugu films

[edit]

Year | Film Title | Notes

|
|

1992 | Sreeman Brahmachari |
Jagannatham and Sons |
1994 | Bhale Pellam |
1997 | Master |
1998 | Auto Driver |
Tholi Prema |
Love Story 1999 |
2000 | Bagunnara | Reused one song from Ninaivirukkum Varai (1999)
2003 | Naaga | Reused three songs from Kushi
2005 | Naayudamma |
2007 | Vijayadasami | Remake of Sivakasi
Background score only, reused from said film
2010 | Cara Majaka |

### Malayalam films

[edit]

Year | Film Title | Notes

|
|

1996 | The Prince |
King Soloman |
2002 | Phantom |

### Television

[edit]

* 2007 Vaira Nenjam
* 2007 Bharathi
* 2008 Thangamana Purushan
* 2009 Vilakku Vacha Nerathula
* 2013 Mahabharatham

### As a playback Singer

[edit]

Year | Film Title | Song(s) | Composer | Notes

|
|
|
|

1996 | Vaanmathi | "Pillayarpatti Hero" | Himself |
Kadhal Kottai | "Kavalaipadathe Sagothara" | Himself |
1997 | Porkkaalam | "Oonam oonam" | himself |
1998 | Kaadhal Mannan | "Marimuthu Marimuthu" | Bharathwaj |
Kaadhale Nimmadhi | "Vidha Vidhama" | Himself |
Ninaithen Vandhai | "Manisha Manisha" | Himself |
Priyamudan | "White Lagaan" | Himself |
Natpukkaga | "Meesakara Nanba" | himself |
Kannedhirey Thondrinal | "Salomiya" | Himself |
2004 | Adithadi | "Thagadu" | Himself |
2009 | Modhi Vilayadu | "Modhi Vilayadu" | Hariharan-Leslie Lewis |
Thee | "Valliyamma" | Srikanth Deva |
2014 | Maan Karate | "Open The Tasmac" | Anirudh |
2015 | Vandha Mala | "Aana Aavanna"
"Aana Aavanna" (Remix) | Sam D Raj |
Sakalakala Vallavan | "Bulb Vaangitten" | S. Thaman |
2016 | Anjala | "Tea Podu" | Gopi Sunder |
Natpathigaram 79 | "sollu sollu chellamma" | Deepak Nilambur |
Theri | "Jithu Jilladi" | G. V. Prakash |
Enakku Veru Engum Kilaigal Kidayathu | "Kodambakkam Maru Peru" | S. N. Arunagiri |
2017 | Vilayattu Aarambam | "Adhiri Pudhiri" | Srikanth Deva |
2018 | Annanukku Jai | "Thaarumaaraa Manasu" | Arrol Corelli |
Jarugandi | "Aadupuli Aattam" | Bobo Shashi |
2020 | Mookuthi Amman | "Saami Kulasami" | Girishh |
2021 | Karnan | "Manjanathi Puranam" | Santhosh Narayanan |
Take Diversion | "Mammaro" | Jose Franklin |
2022 | Anbarivu | "Anbae Arivu" | Hiphop Tamizha |
Takku Mukku Tikku Thalam | "Takku Mukku" | Dharan Kumar |
Hostel | "Hostel Gaana" | Bobo Shashi |
2023 | Good Night | "PalaPattra" | Sean Roldan |
Maamannan | "Nenjame Nenjame - Reprise(Film Version)" | A. R. Rahman |
Venba | "Chellakutty" | Alpha Something | Video game soundtrack
2024 | Lal Salaam | "Anbalane" | A. R. Rahman |
Captain Miller | "Koranaaru" | G. V. Prakash Kumar |
Boat | "Thakida Thadhimi" | M. Ghibran |

## Onscreen appearances

[edit]

Year | Film Title | Notes

|
|

1996 | Summa Irunga Machan | himself in song "Chandhiranum"
1998 | Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen | as himself
1999 | Chinna Raja | as himself
2003 | Vani Mahal | as himself
2004 | Adi Thadi | himself in song "Thagadu"
2005 | Englishkaran | as himself
2009 | Modhi Vilayadu | himself in song "Modhi Vilayadu"
2009 | Suriyan Satta Kalloori | himself in song "Kadhal Panna"

## Television

[edit]

Year  | Name of Television Show  | Role  | Network

|
|
|

2024  | Super Singer Season 10 | Guest  | Star Vijay

## Reused tunes

[edit]

* Kotigobba (2001) from Baashha (1995) (3 songs added with one of them being reused version of "Athanda Ithanda" from Arunachalam (1997))
* Maanbumigu Maanavan (1996) theme music from Yanni's - "Acroyali/Standing in Motion" (1993)[citation needed]
* Simhadriya Simha (2001) from Kattabomman (1 song "Priya Priya" has been reused; while "Kalladre Naanu" was reused as "Poove Mudhal Poove" in Kadhal Kirukkan with different vocals and instrumentations; "Malnad Adike" was reused from "Kottapaakum" in Nattamai (1994)).
* Naaga (2003) from Kushi (3 songs "Megam Karukuthu", "Macarina" and "Oru Ponnu" has been reused).
* Nata (2002) from Priyamudan (1998) (3 songs "Bharathikku", "Pooja Vaa", and "Mowriya" have been reused).

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b DINAKARAN dinakaran.com. "dinakaran". Archived from the original on 11 January 2001. Retrieved 20 July 2014.
2. ^ "Deva tamil music director". behindwoods.com. Retrieved 20 July 2014.
3. ^ ஒளரங்கசீப் (21 January 1996). "சினிமா உலகம் பணத்தை மதிக்கிறது!" (PDF). Kalki (in Tamil). pp. 6–8. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
4. ^ "How Tamil composer Deva rolled out the hits: 'A film song should immediately register with people'". 24 June 2018.
5. ^ "Deva sings for Anirudh !". The Times of India. 14 April 2014.
6. ^ வெண்பா/Venba [@venbaGame] (7 February 2023). "Humbled, grateful, and ecstatic to announce that Thenisai Thendral Deva (@ungaldevaoffl) has sung a song for us in Venba!!! 🙌 Special thanks to @alpha_something who has written and composed this absolute banger!! Can't believeeeee we got to do this!!! 🥹 🥹". via Twitter. Retrieved on 30 July 2023.
7. ^ Alpha Something [@alphasomething] (24 July 2023). "செல்லக்குட்டி / Chellakutty from Venba Original Soundtrack. The Venba team is extremely fortunate to have @ungaldevaoffl sing for our game, and no doubt he's made it into a complete banger! 💥💜". via Instagram. Retrieved on 30 July 2023.
8. ^ Venba | A game about cooking, family and more. Retrieved on 30 July 2023.
9. ^ "45th Annual Filmfare Best Kannada Music Director : Santosh : Free Dow…". archive.is. 5 February 2017. Archived from the original on 5 February 2017.
10. ^ "deva_won_filmfare__best_kannada_music_director : santosh : Free Downl…". archive.is. 5 February 2017. Archived from the original on 5 February 2017.
11. ^ "Sollie Adippaen has youthful music".

## External links

[edit]

* Deva at IMDb

* v
* t
* e

Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Director

1968-1980|

* M. S. Viswanathan (1968)
* K. V. Mahadevan (1969)
* Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan (1970)
* Not awarded (1971-1976)
* Ilaiyaraaja (1977)
* M. S. Viswanathan (1978)
* Shankar–Ganesh (1979)
* Ilaiyaraaja (1980)

1981-2000|

* Ilaiyaraaja (1981)
* M. S. Viswanathan (1982)
* Not awarded (1983-1987)
* Ilaiyaraaja (1988,1989)
* Deva (1990)
* M. M. Keeravani (1991)
* A. R. Rahman (1992,1993,1994)
* Deva (1995)
* A. R. Rahman (1996)
* S. A. Rajkumar (1997)
* Bobby (1998)
* A. R. Rahman (1999)
* Deva (2000)

2001-present|

* Vidyasagar (2001)
* Sirpy (2002)
* Harris Jayaraj (2003)
* Srikanth Deva (2004)
* Harris Jayaraj (2005)
* Yuvan Shankar Raja (2006)
* Vidyasagar (2007)
* Ilaiyaraaja (2008)
* Sundar C. Babu (2009)
* Yuvan Shankar Raja (2010)
* Harris Jayaraj (2011)
* D. Imman (2012)
* Ramesh Vinayakam (2013)
* A. R. Rahman (2014)
* Ghibran (2015)

Authority control databases

International|

* ISNI
* VIAF

Artists|

* MusicBrainz

*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template