RANIPET: Legendary film music composer ‘Thenisai Thendral’ Deva’s native village, Pazhaya Mangadu in Ranipet district, has been plunged into grief following the death of the son of the soil. His last rites will be held on his farmland at Sakkaramallur, near Arcot, in Ranipet district around 1pm on Sunday. Revenue and police officials inspected the farm and commenced necessary arrangements for the last rites with full state honours.As news of his demise spread, relatives and villagers in his native place spoke about his deep-rooted bond with the soil, sharing fond memories of a man who remained fiercely connected to his origins despite achieving a monumental success.Relatives recalled that despite his busy schedule, Deva made it a point to visit his native village at least once a year to worship their clan deity at the Arulmigu Mahabali Amman temple. Expressing deep sorrow, they noted that last Saturday, he recorded and sent a video greeting via WhatsApp to wish his nephew, Sudhakar, on his birthday.Villagers fondly remembered his generosity. He donated his ancestral land to his relatives, enabling them to build houses and settle in the village. Furthermore, he constructed the Sri Ranganathar temple using his funds and even performed a musical concert to raise funds for the temple’s maintenance.Relatives shared that whenever invited to any functions in the village, Deva never hesitated for a moment, making it a regular practice to attend local celebrations and joyous occasions.
