Composer Deva, whose music shaped Rajinikanth’s screen persona, dies

Composer Deva, whose music helped define Rajinikanth’s screen persona in several hit films, died on October 17, 2026, at age 75. Rajinikanth visited Deva’s residence that day to pay his respects, according to visuals from the home. Deva composed music for Rajinikanth films including Annamalai (1992), Baashha (1995) and Arunachalam (1997). His music for the title-card entrance accompanying Rajinikanth’s name became closely associated with the actor’s screen identity, a connection highlighted in retrospectives on their collaboration. The score for Annamalai included the theme accompanying the title card. Retrospective accounts say it was inspired by the James Bond Theme and did not appear on the film’s soundtrack album. The music continued to be used with the title sequence in later years, including in Muthu, which was scored by A.R. Rahman, according to one account. The three films showcased different sides of Deva’s work. Annamalai included the introduction song Vanthenda Paalkaaran, while Baashha featured Naan Autokaaran and Ra Ra Ramayya. Arunachalam included both songs and a background score composed by Deva. The films’ opening numbers have been credited in retrospectives...