Siva Shakthi Datta, legendary Telugu lyricist and father of celebrated composer MM Keeravani, passed away at the age of 92 in Hyderabad on Monday. Datta had been struggling with age-related issues for some time.
Chiranjeevi took to X (formerly twitter), and confirmed the news with a heartfelt message. He wrote, “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. Praying to the Almighty that his soul finds peace. I express my profound condolences to my friend Keeravani garu and his family members.”
Director Sampath Nandi took to X and posted, “Siva Sakthi Dutta garu…A towering legacy etched in every Telugu heart..Shall always cherish each word of yours..Om Shanti 🙏🏾”
Actor Teja Sajja, meanwhile, wrote on social media, “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. Will miss him. May his soul Rest In Peace.”
Filmmaker SS Rajamouli and actor Mahesh Babu paid their respects in person.
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
Born in Kovvu, near Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh, Koduri Subbarao adopted the pen name of Kamalesh, and initially worked as a painter. He started exploring his love for music and learned several instruments before changing his name to Siva Shakthi Datta. Starting with the 1988 film Janaki Ramadu, the lyricist wrote for many popular films, including Sye, Chatrapathi, Rajanna, Baahubali: The Beginning , Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, and RRR, Hanu-Man. He also directed the film Chandrahas (2007).
