‘Vijay was very emotional and spoke to our family’: Srikanth Deva thanks Tamil Nadu CM for state honours to late father Deva, recalls emotional condolence visit

Music composer Srikanth Deva has expressed gratitude to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and the state government for according state honours to his late father, veteran music composer Deva. In an emotional video message, Srikanth spoke about the family’s grief and recalled Vijay’s personal visit to their home to offer condolences. Deva, popularly known as ‘Thenisai Thendral’, died following a heart attack on October 17 and was laid to rest with state honours at his native village in Ranipet district.‘State honours are not an ordinary thing,’ says Srikanth DevaThanking the Chief Minister and the Tamil Nadu government for the recognition, Srikanth said his father’s death had come as a tremendous shock to the family. He also highlighted the significance of the honour, given Deva’s contribution to the music industry over four decades.“My father’s death has come as a huge shock to us. Even now, we are unable to believe whether it is really true or not. We are going through a lot of pain. At this time, I would like to thank Chief Minister Joseph Vijay and the Tamil Nadu government for giving my father state honours. It is a great recognition for the 40 years he spent in the music industry. State honours are not an ordinary thing,” Srikanth said.His words reflected the family’s gratitude for the government’s gesture and the recognition of Deva’s contribution to Tamil cinema. The state honours were announced in acknowledgement of the veteran composer’s service to music.Srikanth Deva recalls CM Vijay’s emotional visit to their homeSrikanth also thanked ministers, political leaders, members of the film industry and the public for supporting the family during its period of mourning. Recalling Vijay’s visit to their residence, the composer said the Chief Minister personally paid his respects and spoke to the family with concern.“Vijay sir came directly to our house to see my father. He was very emotional and spoke to our family with great concern,” Srikanth recalled.He also shared the words Vijay offered him during the visit.“He told me, ‘Even I am unable to bear this, Srikanth. How are you going to bear it?’ When he was getting into his car, he told me, ‘Ask me if you need anything, Sri,’” he said.Srikanth’s account offered a glimpse into the personal support the family received from the Chief Minister as they coped with the loss of the veteran composer.Deva laid to rest with state honours in his native villageDeva’s death on October 17 prompted an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, actors, musicians and fans. Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan were among the film personalities who paid their last respects to the composer at his Chennai residence. Several political leaders also mourned his demise. Following the tributes in Chennai, Deva’s mortal remains were taken to his native village in Ranipet district for the final rites. He was laid to rest with state honours at his family’s farmland in Sakkaramallur, near Arcot. The ceremony included a 72-gun salute as a mark of respect for his contribution to the music industry.Known popularly as ‘Thenisai Thendral’, Deva built a career spanning several decades and composed music for hundreds of films across South Indian languages. His work, including memorable compositions for Tamil cinema, earned him a lasting place in the industry.Concluding his emotional message, Srikanth thanked everyone who stood by the family during the difficult period.“On behalf of my father and our entire family, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the kind-hearted people who stood by us during this painful time,” he said.Get the latest Bollywood & Entertainment News, and more. Download the TOI app.Give your child the gift of confidence! Claim your exclusive TOI Masterclass spot today!