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Even in June 2026, while discussing his work on ‘Charukesi’, Deva expressed the excitement of a newcomer fulfilling a long-cherished ambition to compose music rooted in Carnatic classical traditions. Chennai: If his music was uncomplicated, so was the man behind it. Deva ’s humility remained one of his most endearing qualities. Success neither distanced him from his roots nor prevented him from appreciating the achievements of fellow composers. Unlike the fiercely competitive image often associated with the film industry, Deva openly admired his contemporaries. He spoke appreciatively of Ilaiyaraaja and A R Rahman and was equally enthusiastic about younger musicians. Even during his busiest years, he would personally contact fellow composers to express his admiration for their work. After decades of commercial success, there were still musical territories he wished to explore. There was something particularly touching about that enthusiasm. Here was a composer who had scored for hundreds of films, helped shape the musical identities of superstars, and created songs that far outlived their films, yet continued to approach music with curiosity rather than complacency. With his son Srikanth Deva following him into film music, the family’s artistic legacy continues. Ultimately, Deva’s impact cannot be measured merely by film counts or chartbusters. He belonged to that rare category of artists whose compositions became part of everyday life, heard at weddings, festivals, political rallies, street celebrations, and quiet moments of nostalgia.
In an earlier interview, he acknowledged that ego had no place in his musical journey.