Deva (composer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Deva
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Devanesan Chokkalingam at KJ Yesudas 50 Concert Press Meet
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Devanesan Chokkalingam |
| Born | 20 November 1950 |
| Origin | Tamil Nadu, India |
| Occupation(s) | Film composer, music director |
| Instruments | Vocals (playback singing), guitar, keyboard/harmonium/piano |
| Years active | 1988–present |
Devanesan Chokkalingam, also known as Deva, is a south Indian 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 has composed music for more than 400 films.
Contents
Personal life
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.
Career
Before coming to cinema, Deva worked for some time in Doordarshan Podhigai channel and composed songs for the show Vayalum Vaazhvum. 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.
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.
In 2014, Anirudh Ravichander chose Deva to sing a gaana song in his album Maan Karate.
In 2023, Deva teamed with lyricist Alpha Something and game developer Visai Games to sing a song for the video game Venba, which draws heavily from themes of Tamil culture.
Awards
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.
Discography
Tamil films
| 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 | ||
| Vaasalile Oru Vennila | ||
| En Pottukku Sonthakkaran | ||
| Vaidehi Vandhachu | ||
| Thoothu Po Chellakkiliye | ||
| Thambi Oorukku Pudhusa | ||
| Nadodi Kadhal | 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 | ||
| Nee Oru Thanipiravi | Not Released | |
| Shenbagam | ||
| 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 | ||
| Maappillai Thozhan | Not Released | |
| 1995 | Karuppu Nila | |
| Kattumarakaaran | Songs by Ilaiyaraja. Background 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 |
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| 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 | |
| Thambikku Thaai Manasu | Not Released | |
| 1999 | Nee Enakku Uyiramma | |
| Kallazhagar | ||
| Ninaivirukkum Varai | ||
| Unnai Thedi | ||
| Chinna Raja | ||
| Ullathai Killathe | ||
| Vaali | ||
| 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 | Background Score Only | |
| Saadhuriyan | ||
| Vanakkam Thalaiva | ||
| Kadhalanathey | Not Released | |
| 2006 | 47A Besant Nagar Varai | |
| Uyir Ezhuthu | Not Released | |
| Solli Addipen | Not Released | |
| 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
| 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 |
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| Sainika | ||
| Simhadriya Simha | Reused one song from Nattamai | |
| 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
| 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 songs from Kushi |
| 2005 | Naayudamma | |
| 2010 | Cara Majaka |
Malayalam films
| Year | Film Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | The Prince | |
| King Soloman | ||
| 2002 | Phantom |
Television
- 2007 Vaira Nenjam
- 2007 Bharathi
- 2008 Thangamana Purushan
- 2009 Vilakku Vacha Nerathula
- 2013 Mahabharatham
As Playback Singer
| 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 | "Paala Patra" | 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 |
Onscreen appearances
| 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
| Year | Name of Television Show | Role | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Super Singer Season 10 | Guest | Star Vijay |
Reused tunes
- 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)
- 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).
