Veteran film writer and lyricist Siva Shakthi Datta, also known as Koduri Subbarao, passed away on Monday at the age of 92. He breathed his last at his residence in Manikonda, Hyderabad. He is survived by his three children.
Shivashakti Dutta was best known as the lyricist behind iconic songs from the Baahubali franchise and as the father of Oscar-winning music composer M.M. Keeravani.
Along with his brother, acclaimed writer V. Vijayendra Prasad, Siva Shakthi Datta entered the film industry as a scriptwriter. One of his early contributions was to Janaki Ramudu (1988), starring Nagarjuna. Over the years, he penned lyrics for several hit songs, most of them composed by his son M.M. Keeravani.
Some of his most well-known songs include Nalla Nallani (Sye), Mannela Tintivira (Chatrapathi), Saaho Re (Baahubali 2), Mamatala Talli, and Deevara (Baahubali).
Several celebrities from the film industry paid their tributes to the veteran lyricist.
Siva Shakthi Datta’s legacy continues through his children—M.M. Keeravani, music composer Kalyani Malik, and writer-actor S.S. Kanchi—all of whom are active in the film industry. He also belonged to one of Telugu cinema’s most influential families: his brother V. Vijayendra Prasad is a celebrated screenwriter, and his nephew is the globally renowned filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli.
