Baahubali Lyricist Siva Shakthi Datta, Oscar Winning Composer MM Keeravani's Father And SS Rajamouli's Uncle, Dies At 92 Due To Age-Related Ailments

Renowned lyricist, poet and screenwriter Siva Shakthi Datta, the father of Oscar winning music composer MM Keeravani has passed away due to age-related ailments. Datta's last known work was the Anjanadri theme in Hanuman (2024) starring Teja Sajja and directed by Prasanth Varma. Datta, 92, died on Monday night at his residence in Manikonda, Hyderabad. He was the brother of renowned film writer Vijayendra Prasad and the uncle of director SS Rajamouli. The last rites will be performed in Hyderabad today.

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Social media was flooded with condolences, with many remembering Datta's lyrics that shaped the music of many Telugu movies. He penned memorable lyrics for hits like Baahubali, RRR, Magadheera, Rajanna and Sri Ramadasu. His tracks saw a beautiful blend of mythology with emotion. He also directed Chandrahas in 2007.

Pawan Kalyan mourns Shakthi Datta's demise

Shakthi Datta's prompted tributes from across the Telugu film industry. Actor and politician Pawan Kalyan expressed his sorrow, stating, “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.”

Siva Shakthi Datta grew up in a large and well-off family. His father, Vijay Apparao, was a landlord and contractor, and also ran a transport company with 12 buses, Gulte reported. Datta was the second child in the family. He studied intermediate at CR Reddy College in Eluru, but left midway to join JJ School of Arts in Mumbai, where he completed a diploma in arts, the website reported. Within two years, he returned home and started writing under the pen name Kamalesh, with his articles and poems appearing in various magazines.