Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Sep 27: Renowned musician Drummer Deva, fondly known across the state as the 'Sivamani of Kannada', passed away at his residence in R R Nagar here on Sunday. He was 64.

He had been suffering from a severe illness and had recently lost his leg to gangrene.

Starting his journey by doing odd jobs like cleaning drums, Deva rose to become a phenomenal drummer through sheer hard work and a deep passion for music. Over his illustrious career, he collaborated with several prominent music directors, including legendary maestro Ilaiyaraaja.

He also composed music for Kannada films such as '5 Idiots' and 'Preethi Nee Hingyake'. A familiar face in live performances, he was a regular drummer in orchestras led by prominent music directors like Hamsalekha and Sadhu Kokila, and performed in numerous stage shows and musical events.

An ardent fan of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise, Drummer Deva was a vibrant presence at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. He regularly cheered for the team during home matches, entertaining the stadium crowds and lifting their spirits with his electrifying drum beats.