Deva (composer)
Deva | |
|---|---|
 Thenisai Thendral Deva | |
| Background information | |
| Born | Devanesan Chokkalingam 20 November 1950[1] |
| Origin | Tamil Nadu, India |
| Occupation(s) | Film composer, music director |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals (playback singing), guitar, keyboard/harmonium/piano |
| Years active | 1988–present |
Devanesan Chokkalingam, more popularly known as Deva, is an Indian 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 closing in on four decades. He has composed music for more than 400 films.
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 from 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.[2] 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 Annaamalai (1992) and Baashha (1995).
In 1996, Deva composed tunes for 36 movies. His scores played a big role in the emergence of actors Ajith Kumar 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.[3]
In 2014, Anirudh Ravichander chose Deva to sing a gaana song in his album Maan Karate.[4]
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.[5][6][7]
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.[8][9]
Discography
[edit]Tamil films
[edit]Kannada films
[edit]| Year | Film title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Raja | |
| Amrutha Varshini | Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Kannada; Dubbed in Tamil as Uyirinum Melaaga | |
| 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, reused one song from Kattabomman | |
| 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 | Dubbed in Tamil as Anandha Mazhai | |
| Greeku Veerudu | ||
| Love Story 1999 | ||
| 2000 | Bagunnara | Reused one song from Ninaivirukkum Varai (1999) |
| 2002 | Kalusukovalani | Composed only one song |
| 2003 | Naaga | Reused three songs from Kushi |
| 2004 | Naalo | |
| 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 |
Hindi films
[edit]| Year | Film title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Chachi 420 | Hindi film; BGM only Remake of Avvai Shanmugi |
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 | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Summa Irunga Machan | Himself | Special appearance in the song "Chandhiranum" |
| 1998 | Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen | Special appearance | |
| 1999 | Chinna Raja | ||
| 2003 | Vani Mahal | ||
| 2004 | Adi Thadi | Special appearance in the song "Thagadu" | |
| 2005 | Englishkaran | Special appearance | |
| 2009 | Modhi Vilayadu | Special appearance in the song "Modhi Vilayadu" | |
| 2009 | Suriyan Satta Kalloori | Special appearance in the song "Kadhal Panna" |
Television
[edit]| Year | Name of Television Show | Role | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Super Singer Season 10 | Guest | Star Vijay |
Uncredited inspirations in Deva's music
[edit]Some of Deva’s songs have been noted for their resemblance to popular Indian and international songs. Music critics and listeners have observed similarities leading to discussions about possible musical influence with no proper credit to the original creators.
- Annaamalai (1992)
- "Vanthenda Paalkaaran" is based on "Mi Dolkara Daryacha Raja".[11]
- The theme song is noted for its partial resemblance to the James Bond Theme.[12]
- Baashha (1995)
- "Azhagu" is based on "Dilbar Dil Se Pyaare", composed by R. D. Burman for Caravan (1971).[13]
- The theme music is based on the theme of Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991).[14]
- Aasai (1995)
- "Meenamma" features beats that closely resemble "Mama" by the British band Genesis, although the overall tune differs.[15]
- "Thiloththama" is noted for its partial resemblance to Israeli singer Ofra Haza's version of "Galbi".[15]
- Nerrukku Ner (1997)
- "Akila Akila" is based on "Buffalo Soldier" by Bob Marley and the Wailers.[16]
- Aahaa..! (1997)
- "Mudhan Mudhalil" is based on "Sochenge Tumhe Pyaar" from Deewana composed by the duo Nadeem-Shravan.[15]
- Priyamudan (1998)
- "Hello Maruthi" is based on Boney M.'s version of "Brown Girl in the Ring".[17]
- "White Lakkan" is based on "Hum Kaale Hai Tu Kya Hua" from Gumnaam (1965) composed by the duo Shankar–Jaikishan.[18]: slide 12
- Tholi Prema (1998)
- "Yemaindo Yemo Ee Vela" is based on Ricky Martin's "Maria"[19]
- "Emi Sodhara" is based on "Pyar Ka Musafir" by Lucky Ali.[19]
- "Romance Rhythms" is based on "Noonday Sun" by Deep Forest.[19]
- "Ee Manase Se Se" is based on "Alabalaba (Woman’a’Sexy)" by Dr. Alban.[19]
- Vaalee (1999)
- "Oh Sona" is based on "Susanna" by VOF de Kunst.[20]
- Mugavaree (2000)
- "Oh Nenje" is based on "Get Down (You're the One for Me)" by Backstreet Boys.[21]
- "Poo Virinjachu" is based on "That Thing You Do!" from the film of the same name.[22]
- "Keechu Kiliye" is based on "Enemies" by Dr. Alban.[22]
- Kushi (2000)
- "Mottu Ondru" is based on "Why You Wanna Trip on Me" by Michael Jackson.[23]
- "Oh Vennila" is based on the Portuguese song "Canção do Mar" sung by Dulce Pontes for Primal Fear (1996).[23]
- Citizen (2001)
- "I Like You" is based on "I Feel Lonely" by German singer Sasha.[24]
- Red (2002)
- The prelude of "Kannai Kasakkum" features beats that closely resemble "Catch the Fox" by Den Harrow, although the overall tune differs.[15]
- Bagavathi (2002)
- "Allu Allu" is based on "Nari Narain" by Egyptian singer Hisham Abbas.[15]
References
[edit]- ^ a b DINAKARAN dinakaran.com. "dinakaran". Archived from the original on 11 January 2001. Retrieved 20 July 2014.
- ^ ஒளரங்கசீப் (21 January 1996). "சினிமா உலகம் பணத்தை மதிக்கிறது!" (PDF). Kalki (in Tamil). pp. 6–8. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
- ^ "How Tamil composer Deva rolled out the hits: 'A film song should immediately register with people'". 24 June 2018.
- ^ "Deva sings for Anirudh !". The Times of India. 14 April 2014.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Venba | A game about cooking, family and more. Retrieved on 30 July 2023.
- ^ "45th Annual Filmfare Best Kannada Music Director : Santosh : Free Dow…". archive.is. 5 February 2017. Archived from the original on 5 February 2017.
- ^ "deva_won_filmfare__best_kannada_music_director : santosh : Free Downl…". archive.is. 5 February 2017. Archived from the original on 5 February 2017.
- ^ "Sollie Adippaen has youthful music".
- ^ Srinivasan, Karthik (20 November 2018). "The Kannada And Marathi Roots Of Rajinikanth's First Hero Introduction Song". Film Companion. Archived from the original on 20 November 2018. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
- ^ Krissna, Suresh; Suganth, M. (27 June 2017). "Without Annamalai, there wouldn't be Baashha". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 28 February 2018. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
- ^ Vikatan TV (19 May 2013). Tamil Copycat Songs. From 2:46 to 3:02. Retrieved 10 November 2014.
- ^ Rohit, T. K. (19 October 2015). "Robots, humans and Rajni". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 14 October 2023. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ a b c d e S, Karthik. "Deva [Tamil]". ItwoFS. Archived from the original on 30 January 2022. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
- ^ Rajitha (5 October 1998). "Romance in binary". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 17 July 2018. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
- ^ S, Karthik. "Deva [Tamil]". ItwoFS. Archived from the original on 30 November 2024. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
- ^ "22 Years of Priyamudan: 22 lesser-known facts about the 90s thriller which had Vijay acing the grey shades". Cinema Express. 13 June 2020. Archived from the original on 27 July 2022. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
- ^ a b c d Srinivasan, Karthik (19 February 2019). "How Four Songs In Tholi Prema Were Plagiarized From Ricky Martin, Lucky Ali, Two French Musicians And A Nigerian Artiste". Film Companion. Archived from the original on 19 February 2019. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
- ^ "Superhit Tamil songs that were inspired from other songs". Suryan FM. 1 June 2018. Archived from the original on 23 January 2021. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
- ^ Srinivasan, Sudhir (30 September 2016). "Mindframe: Inspired stuff". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 16 October 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
- ^ a b Srinivasan, Karthik (12 February 2019). "How 3 Songs In A 1999 Tamil Film Were Blatantly Ripped Off From The Backstreet Boys, A Tom Hanks Movie And A Nigerian Musician". Film Companion. Archived from the original on 15 November 2022. Retrieved 12 July 2023.
- ^ a b Ramanujam, Srinivasa (18 May 2020). "Deva interview: 'Kushi' proved that I could do more than just 'gaana'". The Hindu.
- ^ "20 Years of Thala Ajith's Citizen: Five interesting facts about the film". The Times of India. 12 June 2021. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
External links
[edit]| International | |
|---|---|
| Artists | |
