Keeravani’s Father Siva Shakthi Datta Passes Away at 92 in Hyderabad

By TeluguFunda / July 8, 2025

A wave of sorrow grips the Telugu film industry as legendary music composer M.M. Keeravani’s father, Siva Shakthi Datta, passes away on Monday night. He was 92. The well-known lyricist and screenwriter took his last breath at his residence in Manikonda, Hyderabad, after battling age-related health issues. His sudden death has deeply shocked his family and the entire film fraternity.

Siva Shakthi Datta’s Legacy in Telugu Cinema

Siva Shakthi Datta, born Koduri Subba Rao on October 8, 1932, held a strong reputation in Telugu cinema, apart from being Keeravani’s father. He contributed greatly to the industry as a lyricist, screenwriter, director, and producer. He wrote powerful lyrics for blockbuster films such as Sye, Chatrapathi, Rajanna, Baahubali: The Beginning, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, RRR, and HanuMan. His poetic skill and mastery over Telugu added deep emotional value to these films.

He also directed the film Chandrahas and wrote the screenplay for the 1988 hit film Janaki Ramudu, which brought him early success. Some of his most notable songs include “Ramam Raghavam” from RRR and “Saahore Baahubali” from Baahubali 2.

Early Life and Artistic Journey

Datta grew up in Kovvur near Rajamahendravaram in Andhra Pradesh and displayed a passion for the arts from an early age. He moved to Mumbai to study art and later returned to Kovvur, where he worked as a painter under the name Kamalesh. Over time, he learned to play the guitar, sitar, and harmonium on his own. Eventually, he shifted to Madras (now Chennai) to pursue a career in cinema and teamed up with his younger brother, V. Vijayendra Prasad, who later gained fame as a screenwriter.

A Family Deeply Rooted in Cinema

Siva Shakthi Datta came from a family full of film talent. His younger brother V. Vijayendra Prasad is the father of famous director S.S. Rajamouli. Datta leaves behind his sons M.M. Keeravani and Kalyani Malik, both established music composers, and another son, Shiva Sri Kanchi. He also served as the paternal uncle of S.S. Rajamouli and singer-composer M.M. Srilekha.

Tollywood Mourns the Loss

After the news broke, many Tollywood celebrities took to social media to offer their condolences. Actors, directors, and musicians shared their memories and honored Datta’s immense contributions to Telugu cinema. They prayed for his soul and extended their support to his grieving family.

Siva Shakthi Datta’s passing closes an unforgettable chapter in Telugu lyric writing. His timeless words and creative legacy continue to inspire the industry and live on through his talented family.

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