Rajinikanth Remembers Deva’s Kindness During ‘Padayappa’: “He Had a Heart of Gold”

Superstar Rajinikanth has paid an emotional tribute to legendary composer Deva, remembering not only the music that made him a household name but also the humility, generosity and kindness that defined him as a person.

Paying his final respects at Deva’s residence, Rajinikanth recalled a deeply personal moment from the making of Padayappa, a conversation he had struggled to initiate because of the successful musical partnership they had shared across three previous films.

Deva had composed music for Rajinikanth’s Annaamalai, Baashha and Arunachalam, all of which went on to become major successes. However, when Padayappa was being made, Rajinikanth wanted to work with A. R. Rahman for the film. Knowing how much Deva had contributed to his films, the Superstar found it difficult to tell him about the decision.

Recalling the conversation, Rajinikanth said, “He had composed music for three of my films : Annaamalai, Baashha, and Arunachalam and all of these were major successes. After that, during the making of Padayappa, I wanted to tell him that we wanted AR Rahman for the film. ‘Please don't feel wrong about it,’ I told him.”

What happened next stayed with Rajinikanth.

Rather than responding with disappointment or resentment, Deva stood up, shook the actor’s hand and warmly encouraged him to proceed with Rahman.

“‘He (Rahman) is a new and talented composer. Of course, you should do it with him.’ He also said, ‘I find it grateful to even do three films for you,’” Rajinikanth recalled.

For the Superstar, that response revealed the true nature of the man he had known and worked with.

“He is such a man with no hidden malice and with a heart of gold,” Rajinikanth said, remembering the composer behind some of his memorable films.

Beyond his achievements in music, Rajinikanth also spoke about Deva’s humble beginnings and the sacrifices he made for his family. During his early years, Deva performed kacheri programmes at wedding ceremonies to help support and raise his brothers. Even after achieving fame, he remained close to his siblings and continued to care for them.

Rajinikanth also reflected on how Deva carved out his own place in the music industry at a time when Ilaiyaraaja was at the height of his popularity. 

The actor’s memories also turned to Deva’s later years, when the composer found renewed happiness in live concerts. Rajinikanth recalled Deva visiting him after a recent concert tour, excited by the sight of younger audiences enjoying his music.

“He came to see me and told me about his surprise and delight at seeing how his music made youngsters happy and expressed his desire to live with that happiness for another 10-15 years,” Rajinikanth said.

Reflecting on the composer’s passing, he added, “It seems like God took him away when he was happy, saying, ‘You are such a good person.’”

For Rajinikanth, Deva’s legacy was never limited to hit songs or successful films. It was also found in the way he treated others, with grace when faced with a difficult decision, gratitude for the opportunities he received, and unwavering love for his family.

Source : cinemaexpress

Image Credit : indianexpress