Renowned Telugu Lyricist Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry Passes Away

Renowned Telugu lyricist Chembolu Seetharama Sastry (popularly known as Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry) passed away today (Nov 30) in Secunderabad. He was 66.

According to a bulletin issued by KIMS Hospital, he died of lung cancer related complications.

Sastry was admitted on November 24 with pneumonia and was put on ECMO to support his lungs in ICU.

Sastry, who has penned over 3000 songs, was awarded the Padma Shri in 2019 for his contribution and excellence in the field of arts.

Sastry was also the 2017 recipient of Ustad Bismillah Khan Award, instituted by Swarajya Magazine and awarded to individuals who have achieved high levels of excellence in artistic endeavours.

Sastry is also the recipient of 11 Nandi (State Government) awards, 4 Filmfare awards. He was also conferred Ph.D. by scholars of Telugu literature on his works

Sastry has penned songs for movies such as Swayamkrushi, Swarna Kamalam, Shrutilayalu, Gaayam, Swati Kiranam, Kshana Kshanam, Sindhooram, Nuvve Kavali, Okkadu, Varsham and Gamyam among others.

Sastry was frequently received praise for not succumbing to 'crass commericalisation' that came to mark lyrical writing in Telugu movies. He was also noted for steadfastly using language as a vehicle to convey inspirational, thought provoking ideas and feelings into the minds of millions of listeners

Sastry's poetic lyrics covered a gamut of themes- responsibilities, rights, sanctity of the institution of marriage; the duty of individuals towards self, family, fellow beings, nation.