• Friday, 07 November 2025

Deva

Born: 1950-11-20
FAN SCORE
90
POPULARITY
Rising Talent
Last Updated on 06 Nov 2025
Deva Poster

Deva is a renowned Indian music composer and playback singer, celebrated for his folk-inspired and catchy melodies in Tamil cinema. With over 400 films to his credit, he became one of the most influential music directors of the 1990s, known for his vibrant scores and mass-appealing songs.

Deva is a renowned Indian music composer and playback singer, celebrated for his folk-inspired and catchy melodies in Tamil cinema. With over 400 films to his credit, he became one of the most influential music directors of the 1990s, known for his vibrant scores and mass-appealing songs.

Deva, born as Devanesan Chokkalingam on November 20, 1950, in Chennai, India, is a prominent Indian music composer and playback singer primarily known for his work in Tamil cinema. Fondly called the "Thenisai Thendral" -Honey Music Breeze, Deva has composed music for over 400 films across Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada languages. He rose to fame in the 1990s with his catchy melodies, folk-inspired tunes, and vibrant background scores, creating chart-topping songs that appealed to the masses. Known for his versatility, Deva has worked with leading directors and actors in the Tamil film industry and has been instrumental in introducing several playback singers to the industry. His contribution to Tamil film music, particularly in commercial and folk-style compositions, has earned him lasting recognition as one of the most influential music directors of his era.
Deva, born as Devanesan Chokkalingam on November 20, 1950, in Chennai, India, is a prominent Indian music composer and playback singer primarily known for his work in Tamil cinema. Fondly called the "Thenisai Thendral" -Honey Music Breeze, Deva has composed music for over 400 films across Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada languages. He rose to fame in the 1990s with his catchy melodies, folk-inspired tunes, and vibrant background scores, creating chart-topping songs that appealed to the masses. Known for his versatility, Deva has worked with leading directors and actors in the Tamil film industry and has been instrumental in introducing several playback singers to the industry. His contribution to Tamil film music, particularly in commercial and folk-style compositions, has earned him lasting recognition as one of the most influential music directors of his era.

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Personal details

Alternative names Deva
Height 5'7"/ 68kg
Born November 20, 1950 · Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Parents M. C. Krishnaveni M. C. Chokkalingam
Relatives Siblings: Sabesh Chokkalingam, Murali Chokkalingam
Other works
Composer, Music Director, Playback Singer, Lyricist, Orchestrator

FAQ

James Vasanthan is a Tamil music composer, television host, and motivational speaker.

Subramaniyapuram -2008.

"Kangal Irandal," "Annakiliye," and "Azhagiya Theeye."

Yes, he has composed for Tamil and Malayalam films.

Degrees in English Literature and Music.

Did you know

Trivia

Deva is popularly known as "Thenisai Thendral" -Honey Music Breeze for his melodious and folk-inspired compositions.

He has composed music for over 400 films across Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada cinema.

Deva is credited with introducing several playback singers to the Tamil film industry.

He rose to prominence in the 1990s with catchy melodies and mass-appealing songs.

His music style often incorporates folk rhythms, peppy tunes, and devotional songs.

Quotes

"Music should touch the hearts of the people, not just entertain their ears."

"Every song I compose carries a piece of my soul and connects with emotions."

"Folk music has a timeless quality; blending it with films brings it to life for everyone."

"Success in music comes from hard work, experimentation, and understanding the audience."

Trademarks

Folk-inspired melodies blended with contemporary film music.

Catchy, mass-appealing tunes for commercial cinema.

Ability to produce music quickly and efficiently.

Mentorship of upcoming singers and musicians.

Nicknames

Thenisai Thendral

Salaries

Per Film Composition: Rs: 2 - 5 lakh during the peak of his career in the 1990s

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