Karthik Sabesh Passes Away At 37, Three Days After Uncle, Music Composer Deva’s Death

Tamil cinema has been struck by another heartbreaking loss, with actor Karthik Sabesh passing away at the age of 37. His death comes just three days after his uncle, veteran music composer Deva, died on October 17, 2026. The family had already endured a loss last year when Karthik’s father, music composer MC Sabesan, passed away following an illness. The series of deaths within a short period has left the family facing a difficult time. Karthik, who appeared in several Tamil films in supporting roles, was part of a family who has also been part of the film industry.

Actor Karthik Sabesh has died at the age of 37 due to illness, according to reports. His death comes three days after the passing of his uncle, veteran Tamil music composer Deva, who died at the age of 75 on October 17, 2026, following a massive cardiac arrest.

Karthik’s death is another painful loss for the family, which lost his father, music composer MC Sabesh in October 2025. Sabesh, whose full name was MC Sabesan, died in Chennai on October 23, 2025, at the age of 68 after being unwell for some time.

Karthik Sabesh was the nephew of Deva and son of MC Sabeesh

Karthik worked in Tamil cinema and appeared in films including Dham, Vallavan, Pattathu Yaanai, Udhayam NH4, Burma, Kadhal Solla Vandhen and Kulir 100°. Although he did not work consistently in films, fans continue to remember his work.

Deva, fondly known as Thenisai Thendral, was one of Tamil cinema’s prominent music composers. He was celebrated for bringing Chennai’s gaana music into mainstream film soundtracks, creating a style at a time when composers such as Ilaiyaraaja and AR Rahman dominated the industry.

Over a career spanning several decades, Deva composed music for more than 400 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam cinema. His popular soundtracks included Baashha, Annamalai and Aasai. He was also associated with the iconic background music created for Rajinikanth’s screen presence.

According to reports, Deva was brought to Surya Hospital in Chennai without a pulse after suffering a massive cardiac arrest. Doctors reportedly attempted to revive him with chest compressions and other emergency treatment for around one to one-and-a-half hours, but were unable to save him. Music ran through the family. Deva’s son, Srikanth Deva, followed in his footsteps and established himself as a composer. His brothers, Sabesh and Murali, also worked together as the music director duo Sabesh-Murali. Actor Jai is another member of the extended family and Deva’s nephew.

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