The Telugu film industry is mourning the loss of veteran lyricist and writer Shiva Shakthi Datta. The 92-year-old passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025, at his home in Manikonda, Hyderabad. He was suffering from health issues related to old age for some time. He is known for his deep knowledge of Sanskrit and his beautiful style of writing poetry, which made him a special voice in Indian cinema. He was born in 1932 as Koduri Subbarao in Kovvur, a town near Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh.
Lyricist Behind ‘RRR’, ‘Baahubali’ Dies
Shiva Shakthi Datta began his film journey under the pen name Kamalesh and went on to write unforgettable lyrics for films like ‘Baahubali’, ‘RRR’, ‘Magadheera’, and ‘HanuMan’. Some of his most loved songs include Raamam Raghavam Anjanadari theme song and Amma Avani. Throughout his life, he contributed to the arts, not just as a lyricist, but also as a talented painter, skilled screenwriter, and respected scholar of Sanskrit. His legacy continues through his son, National Award-winning music composer, MM Keeravani, and his nephew, filmmaker SS Rajamouli. His funeral took place on Tuesday in Hyderabad.
