Home / Arts and Entertainment / Bengaluru Mourns Deva: A Musical Force for 800+ Films
Bengaluru Mourns Deva: A Musical Force for 800+ Films
27 Sep
Summary
- Veteran drummer Deva, who played for over 800 films, passed away in Bengaluru.
- He battled a prolonged illness for over three years, including a stroke.
- Musicians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru paid tribute to the legendary artist.
Veteran drummer K Devendra Kumar, widely known as Deva, passed away at his Bengaluru residence on Saturday night at the age of 64. His death followed a prolonged illness that had spanned more than three years, including a stroke and subsequent gangrene requiring leg amputation.
Deva was a prodigious talent, contributing percussion and background scores to over 800 films. He collaborated with legendary composers such as Ilaiyaraaja and Hamsalekha, and worked with prominent actors like Rajkumar and Puneeth Rajkumar. He was affectionately called the 'Sivamani of Kannada cinema'.
Despite his health struggles, Deva continued to play drums, even utilizing prosthetics. Videos of him playing while in hospital surfaced on social media, highlighting his passion. Senior musicians paid tribute with a musical performance at his residence, and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru also expressed their condolences, remembering his presence at matches. A funeral Mass was held at St Joseph's Church, with his extensive career also encompassing live orchestra performances and stage shows across Bengaluru.
