Veteran Tamil music composer Deva will be laid to rest at his native village near Arcot in Ranipet district on Sunday, October 18, with state honours. According to reports, his mortal remains will be taken from his Chennai residence to family farmland in Sakkaramallur for the final rites. Relatives and villagers have recalled the composer’s enduring connection to his ancestral home, where he regularly visited family, worshipped at the clan temple and supported local community initiatives.
Deva’s final rites to be held at his family farmland near Arcot
Veteran composer Deva’s final rites are scheduled for Sunday, October 18, at around 1 pm at his family farmland in Sakkaramallur, near Arcot in Ranipet district, according to The Times of India. The Tamil Nadu government has announced that the composer will receive state honours in recognition of his contribution to the music industry. Revenue and police officials have been involved in arrangements for the ceremony.According to the reports, Deva’s mortal remains will be kept at his Chennai residence for public homage before being taken to his native village. His family farmland and garden, associated with memories of his mother, Krishnaveni, will be the site of his final rites.The property held personal significance for Deva, who reportedly made regular visits to the village during festivals such as Pongal. He would meet relatives and friends, buy new clothes for family members and spend time with the community. The farmland is now set to become his final resting place.
Deva’s memories remain alive among Chakramallur villagers
Beyond his achievements in cinema, Deva maintained a close connection with his ancestral village. Relatives recalled that despite his demanding professional schedule, he made time for family gatherings and attended important functions whenever possible.During his visits, the composer reportedly spent time in a room on the first floor of the family farmhouse. He also worshipped with relatives at the family’s ancestral deity temple, Mahabali Amman.Deva’s connection to the village extended beyond family occasions. According to reports, he funded the construction of a Sri Ranganathar temple and organised a music programme to support it. His contributions and regular visits left a lasting impression on residents, many of whom remember him not only as a celebrated composer but also as someone who remained connected to his roots.
Deva’s final interactions with relatives add to the village’s grief
The composer reportedly remained in touch with relatives from his native village in the days before his death. According to The Times of India, he had sent a WhatsApp video birthday greeting to his nephew, Sudhakar, the previous Saturday.Photographs from family functions have also brought back memories for villagers as they prepare to bid farewell to the musician. For those who knew him personally, his visits, gestures of generosity and participation in community events remain an important part of his legacy.
Deva’s musical legacy
Deva, whose birth name was Devanesan Chokkalingam, built a career spanning nearly four decades and composed music for more than 400 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam cinema. Popularly known as ‘Thenisai Thendral’, he was widely recognised for his melodies, folk-based compositions and role in bringing Chennai’s gaana music into mainstream Tamil cinema.His work included memorable soundtracks for films such as ‘Annamalai’, ‘Baashha’, ‘Aasai’ and ‘Kushi’. His music, particularly the iconic introductory theme associated with Rajinikanth, became a defining part of Tamil film culture.Deva passed away in Chennai on October 17, 2026. His passing prompted tributes from across the film industry, while the Tamil Nadu government announced state honours for his final rites. As his family and native village prepare to say goodbye, the composer leaves behind a musical legacy that spans generations.
