Suddala Ashok Teja, born Gurram Ashok Teja on April 4, 1954, is a celebrated Indian poet and lyricist renowned for his profound contributions to Telugu cinema and literature. With a remarkable career spanning decades, he has etched his name in the hearts of millions through the evocative verses he pens. Notably, he has scripted lyrics for over 2200 songs, showcasing a rare talent that seamlessly combines linguistic prowess with a deep understanding of musical nuances.
Hailing from the quaint village of Suddala in the Jangaon district of Telangana, Ashok Teja was born to the illustrious Telugu poet, Suddala Hanmanthu, and his mother, Janakamma. The roots of artistic expression run deep in his family, as both parents actively participated in the Telangana Rebellion, a historic struggle against the Nizam of Hyderabad. Growing up amidst the echoes of rebellion and poetic fervor, Ashok Teja inherited a rich cultural legacy. He shares his family with two brothers, Prabhakar Teja and Sudhakar Teja, and a sister, Racha Bharathi.
Before his foray into the Telugu film industry, Ashok Teja served as a government teacher in various villages, including Bandalingapur, Medipally, and Metpally in the Karimnagar district. However, his destiny took a turn when he stepped into the world of cinema. A natural wordsmith from a young age, he had been weaving verses since childhood. His nephew, Uttej, a well-known character artiste in Telugu films, played a pivotal role in opening the doors to the film industry for Ashok Teja.
His career gained momentum when he penned the lyrics for the films “Osey Ramulamma” and “Ninne Pelladutha” in the years 1996–1997. These early successes marked the beginning of a prolific journey that would see him becoming a prominent figure in the world of Telugu cinema.
The zenith of Ashok Teja’s career arrived when he clinched the National Film Award for Best Lyrics in 2004 for the poignant song “Nenu Saitam” from the movie “Tagore.” Drawing inspiration from Sri Sri’s “Nenu Saitham” in Mahaprasthanam, Ashok Teja joined the esteemed ranks of writers like Sri Sri and Veturi in receiving this prestigious accolade.
His lyrical prowess continued to be recognized, with a SIIMA Award for Best Lyricist (Telugu) in 2018 for the soul-stirring “Vachinde” from the film “Fidaa” (2017). Through his career, he has contributed lyrics to an astonishing 1250 movies and 2500 private songs by the year 2017, showcasing an unparalleled commitment to his craft.
Upcoming Projects:
The young generation is still blessed to experience the magic of Ashok Teja Gaaru with his upcoming Projects ‘Sodhara’ Starring Sanjosh and Sampoornesh Babu and Razakar Movie: The Genocide of Hyderabad.
‘Telugu Funda’ wishes Suddala Ashok Teja a huge success for his coming up projects and be an inspiration to any upcoming Poets and Lyricists’
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