Telugu industry's veteran lyricist Siva Shakthi Datta passed away at his home. As per reports, he was 92 and had been unwell because of age-related health problems. While many today know him as the father of Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani or the uncle of filmmaker SS Rajamouli, Koduri Siva Shakthi Datta was much more than a relative of cinema greats. A gifted lyricist, screenwriter, musician, and painter, Datta carved his own legacy in Telugu cinema with his distinct voice—literally and figuratively.
Who was Shiva Shakti Datta?
Born as Koduri Subba Rao on October 8, 1932, Datta came from a culturally rich family in Kovvur near Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh. His father, Koduri Vijaya Apparao, was a landlord and entrepreneur who loved the arts—a passion that clearly trickled down to his children. Subba Rao, drawn to creativity from an early age, left his studies at C.R. Reddy College in Eluru to pursue art at the prestigious Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai. After earning a diploma, he returned home as a painter under the pseudonym “Kamalesh.” Later, he renamed himself Siva Shakti Datta, embracing a spiritual and artistic identity that would shape his life's work.
Datta was not only a painter but also a self-taught musician, skilled in instruments like the guitar, sitar, and harmonium. His versatility eventually found its way to Telugu cinema, where he became known for weaving Sanskrit-influenced lyrics into mainstream soundtracks.
His lyrical debut and career
He made his lyrical debut in 1988 with Janaki Ramudu, which turned out to be a commercial hit. This opened doors to a string of iconic collaborations. Datta went on to write for several high-impact films, including Sye, Chatrapathi, Rajanna, and, of course, the Baahubali franchise. His words added a mythic, timeless quality to Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, helping to elevate the films to epic status.
More recently, his lyrical work in RRR and the 2024 hit Hanu-Man further solidified his status as a revered figure in Telugu cinema.
Who was Shiva Shakti Datta?
Born as Koduri Subba Rao on October 8, 1932, Datta came from a culturally rich family in Kovvur near Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh. His father, Koduri Vijaya Apparao, was a landlord and entrepreneur who loved the arts—a passion that clearly trickled down to his children. Subba Rao, drawn to creativity from an early age, left his studies at C.R. Reddy College in Eluru to pursue art at the prestigious Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai. After earning a diploma, he returned home as a painter under the pseudonym “Kamalesh.” Later, he renamed himself Siva Shakti Datta, embracing a spiritual and artistic identity that would shape his life's work.
Datta was not only a painter but also a self-taught musician, skilled in instruments like the guitar, sitar, and harmonium. His versatility eventually found its way to Telugu cinema, where he became known for weaving Sanskrit-influenced lyrics into mainstream soundtracks.
His lyrical debut and career
He made his lyrical debut in 1988 with Janaki Ramudu, which turned out to be a commercial hit. This opened doors to a string of iconic collaborations. Datta went on to write for several high-impact films, including Sye, Chatrapathi, Rajanna, and, of course, the Baahubali franchise. His words added a mythic, timeless quality to Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, helping to elevate the films to epic status.
More recently, his lyrical work in RRR and the 2024 hit Hanu-Man further solidified his status as a revered figure in Telugu cinema.
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