Music Director Deva is known for his simplicity. The musician, who has the reputation of having composed music for so many films within a very short period, looks very simple. He is also quite humble when he talks about his achievements. He attributes his success to the cooperation of his brothers Sabesh and Murali (who are now popular composers).
Devanesan aka Deva started his music journey in the year 1989 with the film 'Manasukkeththa Maharaasaa'. By the end of 10 years ' the period when he was at his peak ' he composed music for more than 600 films. 60 films a year. Just above one film per week!
It is not a mean achievement given the fact that the period was dominated by the maestro Ilayaraja and the magical Rahman. The simpleton Deva, with his down to earth music, was able to carve out his own niche amidst these stalwarts.
Deva, who turns 57 today, was attracted towards the world of music in his early years. Teaming with musician Chandra Bose, he staged so many musical programmes. He learnt classical music from Dhanraj and successfully finished a course in Western music in London Trinity Music College.
Deva worked in the Television field before entering in to the film world. In those days Deva's brothers were working in the musical troupes of Ilayaraja and other music directors as instrumentalists. Deva was eying for an opportunity to compose music for films. It was a tough struggle. Some of the producers who gave chance to Deva could not complete their projects. Some of the films he worked could not be released.
Deva, however, remained unperturbed. He kept on trying with incredible confidence. Finally he got the chance. 'Manasukkeththa Maharaasaa' introduced him to the world. Unfortunately the film didn't make him popular. But the second film ('Vaikaasi Poranthaachu') did the magic. It spread his name to the nooks and corners of Tamilnadu. Producers and filmmakers started knocking his doors. Deva soon became the favorite for many.
Deva has done films in all South Indian languages. He has composed music for the films that have leading stars like Rajnikanth and Kamal Haasan. He is best at creating tailor made songs that suit the image of super star. It was he who composed music for Rajni's blockbusters like 'Annaamalai', 'Baashaa', and 'Arunachalam'.
It was Deva, who popularized 'gana' songs of Chennai. 'Vaala Meenukkum Vilaangu Meenukkum' might have dominated the recent times but it was Deva, who made the 'gana' songs widely acceptable by giving at least one gana song in each of his film. He is hailed as 'Father of Gaana Genre' in Tamil movies.
Among all genres, devotional songs are nearer to Deva's heart. He had never given up composing devotional songs even when he was quite busy. He is still passionately doing music for devotional songs.
Deva has been honored with so many awards in his career. In 1990, he received Best Music Director Award from Tamilnadu Government. He got Tamilnadu Government's 'Kalai Maamani Award' in the year 1992. In 1995, the film 'Aasai' fetched him Tamilnadu Government's 'Best Music Director' award! For 'Baashaa', he received Tamilnadu Arts and Cultural Academy award!
To top them all, veteran music director Mellisai Mannar (King of melody) M.S. Viswanathan has conferred upon the title, "Thenisai Thentral" (Gentle breeze of sweet music).
Apart from these honors, Sathyabama University of Chennai has conferred honorary doctorate to Deva.
Deva's legacy continues. His brothers (Sabesh & Murali) are doing well in the field. His son Srikanth Deva has followed his foot steps. He is in fact one of the leading young music directors in both Tamil and Telugu.
We wish this veteran musician a very happy birthday. We also wish that he continues his musical journey to more destinations.
