Siva Shakthi Datta Passes Away At 92: Telugu Cinema Mourns Legendary Lyricist

Siva Shakthi Datta, celebrated Telugu lyricist and father of composer MM Keeravani, passes away at 92. Stars like Chiranjeevi, SS Rajamouli, and Mahesh Babu pay tribute.

Legendary Telugu lyricist Siva Shakthi Datta, father of MM Keeravani, remembered for his timeless contributions to Indian cinema.

Source : X

Renowned Telugu lyricist and veteran storyteller Siva Shakthi Datta breathed his last in Hyderabad on Monday at the age of 92. The acclaimed writer had been ailing from age-related issues for a while. A deeply respected figure in the Telugu film industry, Datta was not only known for his lyrical mastery but also for his artistic prowess, having started his career as a painter.

Born Koduri Subbarao in Kovvur, near Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, Datta originally adopted the pen name Kamalesh before embracing the moniker Siva Shakthi Datta. Over the years, his contributions enriched some of the biggest Telugu films in modern cinema.

Chiranjeevi, Rajamouli, Mahesh Babu Among Those Who Paid Respects

Condolences have been pouring in from across the industry. Megastar Chiranjeevi shared a heartfelt tribute on X (formerly Twitter):“The news that Sri Siva Shakthi Datta, a painter, scholar of the Sanskrit language, writer, storyteller, and multifaceted genius, has attained divine union has left me deeply shocked… I express my profound condolences to my friend Keeravani garu and his family members.”

 

చిత్రకారుడు, సంస్కృత భాషా సంపన్నుడు , రచయిత, కథకుడు,బహుముఖ ప్రజ్ఞాశాలి అయిన శ్రీ శివ శక్తి దత్తా గారు శివైక్యం చెందారన్న వార్త నన్ను దిగ్భ్రాంతికి గురిచేసింది.

వారి ఆత్మకు శాంతి కలగాలని ఆ భగవంతుడ్ని ప్రార్ధిస్తూ .... మిత్రుడు కీరవాణి గారికి వారి కుటుంబ సభ్యులకు నా ప్రగాఢ…

— Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) July 8, 2025

Director Sampath Nandi called Datta's legacy “etched in every Telugu heart,” while actor Teja Sajja wrote,

“Deeply saddened by the demise of Siva Shakthi Datta Garu. I feel lucky to have worked with him. A great loss for all of us.”

Filmmaker SS Rajamouli and actor Mahesh Babu visited the family in person to offer their respects.

A Timeless Contribution to Telugu Cinema

Datta’s lyrical journey began with the 1988 film Janaki Ramudu and continued with major projects like Sye, Chatrapathi, Rajanna, Baahubali: The Beginning, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, RRR, and most recently, Hanu-Man. Known for his poetic depth and traditional flavor, he brought a spiritual intensity to film lyrics that resonated across generations.

He also ventured into direction with the 2007 film Chandrahas, further showcasing his creative versatility.

Datta is survived by his family, including his son, Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani, with whom he shared many professional collaborations.