Lyricist Siva Shakthi Datta, father of MM Keeravaani, passes away at 92

Siva Shakthi Datta, the noted Telugu lyricist and father of Oscar-winning music composer MM Keeravaani, passed away on July 7, 2025, at his residence in Manikonda. He was 92 and had been battling age-related health problems.

Born as Koduri Subbarao on October 8, 1932, in Kovvur near Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, Siva Shakthi Datta always had a deep love for the arts. As a young man, he left home to study at the Sir JJ School of Art in Mumbai. He even wrote poems and articles under the pen name ‘Kamalesh’ before using his spiritual name, Siva Shakthi Datta.

Also read: Mohanlal welcomes 'Aasa Kooda' fame Sai Abhyyankar to Malayalam cinema. Watch the announcement video


He stepped into the film industry along with his younger brother, the renowned screenwriter Vijayendra Prasad. Datta’s big break came with the 1988 film Janaki Ramudu, where he worked both as a lyricist and a writer. From there, he went on to write songs for some of Telugu cinema’s biggest films like Baahubali, RRR, NTR: Kathanayakudu, Hanu-Man, and more. He has also written some of the popular songs like ‘Mamatala Thalli,’ ‘Dheevara,’ and ‘Sahore Baahubali.’ His first major chance came through legendary director K Raghavendra Rao made him one of the prominent names in the industry. Datta even directed a film, Chandrahas, in 2007.

Siva Shakthi Datta was also a painter, a musician, and someone who deeply believed in philosophy and classical arts. He used to play guitar, sitar, and harmonium.

Siva Shakthi Datta’s death has left a void in the Telugu film industry. Actor and politician Pawan Kalyan paid his heartfelt condolences by saying, “I am saddened to learn of the demise of Shri Siva Shakthi Datta, father of music director Keeravani. I pray for his soul to rest in peace. He had great respect for art and literature and contributed significantly to Telugu and Sanskrit lyricism. My deepest sympathies to Keeravani gaaru and family during this time of loss.”


To catch the latest updates in the music world, head to Gaana.com now!