Veteran Lyricist Siva Shakthi Datta, Father Of MM Keeravaani, Passes Away At 92

Renowned Telugu lyricist, screenwriter, painter and poet, Siva Shakthi Datta, father of Oscar-winning music composer MM Keeravaani, breathed his last on Monday, July 7, at his residence in Manikonda, Hyderabad. As per a report in Telangana Today, Datta had been unwell due to age-related health problems. He was 92 at the time of death.

Who was Siva Shakthi Datta?

Born as Koduri Subbarao in 1932, Siva Shakthi Datta developed his love for the arts at a very young age. He joined Sir JJ School of Arts in Mumbai, and after the completion of his diploma, he returned to his native place, Kovvur, where he started painting with a pen name Kamalesh, and later, changed his name to Siva Shakthi Datta.

Siva Shakthi Datta is the elder brother of writer Vijayendra Prasad, father of filmmaker SS Rajamouli. Siva Shakthi had an immense knowledge about literature and he significantly contributed to cinema.

Datta penned lyrics for Rajamouli and MM Keeravaani's films, such as Sye, Chatrapathi, Rajanna, Baahubali' movies, RRR, and Hanu-Man. His songs including Mamathala Thalli, Anjandri Theme Song, Amma Avani, and Raamam Raghavam, among others, are some of the cult classics. He also played musical instruments like guitar, sitar and harmonium.

Datta shifted to Madras to try his luck in cinema and assisted a few directors. He worked with legendary director K Raghavendra Rao and penned lyrics for 1988 superhit film, Janaki Ramudu. He also wrote the screenplay for the film. Datta also directed a film titled Chandrahas in 2007.

Celebs pay tributes to Siva Shakthi Datta

The Telugu film industry is mourning the death of Siva Shakthi Datta. Condolences are pouring in for the veteran lyricist on social media.

Megastar Chiranjeevi took to his X handle to pay tribute. He wrote his post in Telugu which is loosely translated in English as, "The news that Sri Shiva Shakti Datta, a painter, scholar of the Sanskrit language, writer, storyteller, and multifaceted genius, attained divine union and it has left me deeply shocked. Praying to the Almighty that his soul finds peace... I express my profound condolences to my friend Keeravani garu and his family members (sic)."

Siva Shakthi Datta's last rites will be held in Hyderabad today.