Remembering the creative patriarch who paved the way for the Keeravaani-Rajamouli legacy

Time of India

09-07-2025

Siva Shakthi Datta, father of Oscar-winning composer M M Keeravaani and elder brother of celebrated writer V
Vijayendra Prasad, passed away at his Manikonda residence in Hyderabad on Monday night.
The lyricist, screenwriter and artist, known for bringing a classical depth to modern Telugu cinema with his poetic verses, was 92.
The creative root of a family that redefined Telugu cinema Born Koduri Subbarao on October 8, 1932, in Kovvur near Rajahmundry, Datta was the eldest in a family that would go on to redefine Telugu cinema for a generation. From an early age, he displayed an affinity for the arts. As a teenager, he left home to pursue his passion at Mumbai's Sir JJ School of Art, where he earned a diploma in fine arts.
Returning to Kovvur, he worked as a painter under the pseudonym Kamalesh before his growing interest in music led him to train in guitar, sitar and harmonium.
He was the elder brother who led the way: Vijayendra Prasad In the 1980s, Datta moved to Madras (now Chennai) to try his hand at cinema, a journey he undertook alongside his younger brother V Vijayendra Prasad. Together, the siblings pooled their savings to make a film in 1985, with Datta in the director's chair.
The film floundered and left the family in financial distress.
Tributes pour in
I am saddened to learn about the passing of renowned music director Shri Keeravani's father, writer and artist Shri Shivashakti Datta. I pray to the Almighty for peace to his soul. He was someone who deeply admired the arts and literature. With his profound knowledge of Telugu and Sanskrit literature, Shri Datta penned lyrics for several films. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Shri Keeravani and his brothers as they grieve the loss of their father.
– Pawan Kalyan, actor, Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh
The news that Sri Shiva Shakti Datta, a painter, a scholar of the Sanskrit language, writer, storyteller, and multifaceted genius, has attained divine union has left me deeply shocked. Praying to the Almighty that his soul finds peace… I express my profound condolences to my friend Keeravani garu and his family members
-
Chiranjeevi
, actor
My brother was far ahead of his time. The industry could not always catch up to his ideas. He wasn't willing to compromise, and there was no meeting point. Whatever I am today, it is because of his guidance and blessings
– V Vijayendra Prasad, Tollywood
Iconic films that featured Siva Shakthi Datta's lyrical brilliance
From mythological epics to modern-day blockbusters, Datta's verses brought gravitas and poetic richness to a slew of chartbusters in Telugu cinema. His lyrics, often laced with Sanskrit and classical imagery, became an integral part of the films' emotional landscape
'All of us brothers wanted to see him as a director,' Vijayendra Prasad would later recall, in a previous interview.
'We invested whatever we had, but the film failed and we were left with nothing. Meanwhile, Keeravaani [Datta's son] became a music director and began supporting the family. My brother then turned to writing stories, and I would accompany him to meetings with K Raghavendra Rao just to be his sidekick. It was during these sessions that I discovered I could also write stories.
'
A lyricist who left an enduring mark Datta and Vijayendra Prasad made their screenwriting debut together with Janaki Ramudu (1988), directed by K Raghavendra Rao.
The film earned them industry recognition and set Vijayendra Prasad on a path that would eventually lead to some of Telugu cinema's most celebrated screenplays.
But it was as a lyricist that Datta left his most enduring mark. Known for his fondness for Sanskrit vocabulary and his ability to weave classical imagery into contemporary storytelling, he penned songs for films like
Baahubali
: The Beginning (Mamathala Thalli, Dheevara), Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (Saahore Baahubali), RRR (Ramam Raghavam), NTR: Kathanayakudu, Rajanna, Chatrapathi, Sye and Hanu-Man.
A dreamer who was ahead of his time 'My brother was far ahead of his time,' Vijayendra Prasad said. 'The industry could not always catch up to his ideas. He wasn't willing to compromise, and there was no meeting point. Whatever I am today, it is because of his guidance and blessings. I make a living from the talent he couldn't fully utilise, and I have taken a little from him.'
In 2007, Datta directed the mythological drama Chandrahas, staying true to his lifelong fascination with epics and classical themes. He is survived by his three children — music directors MM Keeravaani and Kalyani Malik, and writer-musician Shivasri Kanchi. He was also the paternal uncle of filmmaker SS Rajamouli and music composer MM Srilekha.
-TNN