Lyricist and screenwriter, Siva Shakthi Datta, passed away on Monday, at the age of 92. He was the father of Oscar-winning music composer MM Keeravani, brother of famous writer Vijayendra Prasad, and uncle of filmmaker SS Rajamouli. Datta had written songs for Telugu movies like Sye, Chatrapathi, Baahubali franchise, Zombie Reddy, RRR, Hanuman, and others.
South celebrities took to social media to mourn his demise. Chiranjeevi tweeted, "The news that Sri Shiva Shakti Datta, a painter, 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."
Teja Sajja wrote on X, "Deeply saddened by the demise of Siva Shakthi Datta Garu. I feel lucky to have worked with him A great loss for all of us Will miss him May his soul Rest In Peace."
Filmmaker Sampath Nandi shared a picture with Datta and tweeted, "Siva Sakthi Dutta garu… A towering legacy etched in every Telugu heart.. Shall always cherish each word of yours.. Om Shanti."
Makers of the upcoming film, Vishwambhara, also tweeted, "Deeply saddened by the demise of Siva Shakthi Datta Garu. His immense knowledge about literature and his contribution to Cinema are unmatched. Our heartfelt condolences to Keeravani Garu and the family. May the almighty give you strength. Team #Vishwambhara." Check out the tweets below...
Datta had written the film Janaki Ramudu along with his brother Vijayendra Prasad. In 2007, he had also directed a movie titled Chandrahas which starred Haranath Policherla, Abbas, and Astha Singhal.
We at The Free Press Journal pray that may his soul rests in peace.
