Deva, born Devanesan Chokkalingam, is a renowned Indian film composer and singer best known for his work in Tamil cinema. With a career spanning several decades, he has composed music for over 400 films across multiple South Indian languages including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam.
He is widely recognized for popularizing the “gaana” genre in Tamil film music, earning him a strong cultural following and the nickname associated with mass, rhythm-driven soundtracks. His compositions are known for their catchy melodies, street-style energy, and strong connection with local audiences.