Siva Shakthi Datta, born Koduri Subbarao on 8 October 1932, was a legendary Indian lyricist, screenwriter, painter, and poet best known for his Sanskrit-rich songs in films like Baahubali, RRR, Magadheera, and Hanu-Man. A true multi-talented artist, Datta passed away at the age of 92 on 7 July 2025 in Hyderabad due to age-related illness.
His influence stretched across Telugu cinema, art, and music, and his creative legacy lives on through his sons M.M. Keeravani and Kalyani Malik, and his nephew, director S.S. Rajamouli. With deep roots in art, spirituality, and language, Datta’s contributions earned admiration from the industry and audiences alike.
Siva Shakthi Datta Wiki/Bio
| Full Name | Koduri Siva Shakthi Datta |
| Birth Name | Koduri Subbarao |
| Date of Birth | 8 October 1932 |
| Date of Death | 7 July 2025 |
| Age at Death | 92 years |
| Place of Birth | Kovvur, Andhra Pradesh (then Madras Presidency) |
| Place of Death | Manikonda, Hyderabad, India |
| Profession(s) | Lyricist, Screenwriter, Painter, Director, Poet, Producer |
| Known For | Sanskrit-based Telugu lyrics, Baahubali, RRR, Hanu-Man |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Caste | Kamma |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
Family Details
| Spouse | Bhanumathi (deceased) |
| Sons | M.M. Keeravani, Kalyani Malik |
| Daughter | Shivasri Kanchi |
| Father | Koduri Vijaya Apparao (landlord, transport company owner) |
| Siblings | V. Vijayendra Prasad (brother) + 5 more |
| Nephew | S.S. Rajamouli (director) |
| Niece | M.M. Srilekha (singer) |
| Grandsons | Kaala Bhairava (singer), Sri Simha (actor) |
Education
| School/College | Details |
| School | C.R. Reddy College, Eluru (dropped out) |
| College | Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai |
| Qualification | Diploma in Fine Arts |
Career Journey
Early Life and Art
- Born into a wealthy family, his father owned a transport company with 12 buses.
- Left formal studies to pursue art in Mumbai, earning a diploma at J.J. School of Art.
- Used the pseudonym Kamalesh for painting.
- Self-trained in guitar, sitar, and harmonium, which later shaped his musical lyricism.
Entry into Cinema
- Moved to Madras (Chennai) with his brother V. Vijayendra Prasad to break into film.
- First major success came with Janaki Ramudu (1988), marking his screenwriting debut.
As Lyricist
Datta gained recognition for his deep, Sanskrit-inspired, spiritual lyrics:
| Film | Song/Lyrics Example |
| Sye (2004) | “Nalla Nallani Kalla” |
| Chatrapathi (2005) | “Agni Skalana, Mannela Thintivira” |
| Rajanna (2011) | Various songs |
| Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) | “Mamathala Thalli” (IIFA-nominated) |
| Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017) | “Saaho Re” |
| RRR (2022) | “Raamam Raghavam,” “Amma Avani” |
| Magadheera (2009) | Sanskrit-styled lyrics |
| Sri Ramadasu (2006) | Devotional compositions |
| Hanu-Man (2024) | “Anjandri Theme Song” (final work) |
Direction & Production
- Directed Ardhangi (1996) and Chandrahas (2007) – both mythological dramas.
- Films were commercially unsuccessful, but reflected his artistic and spiritual interests.
- Also worked as a producer and assistant director in his early career.
Personal Life & Philosophy
- A deeply spiritual man, Datta practiced meditation and Pournami gatherings.
- Shared visions of flames and black holes during meditative states.
- Known for telepathic sensitivity and predicting visitor arrivals intuitively.
- Lived a disciplined, introspective life, committed to art and simplicity.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Wealthy childhood but chose the path of art and struggle.
- Dreamed of making a successful film – a goal he partially achieved through lyrics.
- His family, especially M.M. Keeravani and S.S. Rajamouli, carried forward his legacy.
- Self-taught musician with mastery in multiple classical instruments.
- Nominated for Best Lyricist at IIFA Utsavam for “Mamathala Thalli”.
Death and Legacy
Death
- Died on 7 July 2025 at his home in Manikonda, Hyderabad, at 92 years old. (Source)
- Passed away due to natural age-related illness.
- His funeral was held on the same day, with tributes pouring in from the industry.
Tributes
| Celebrity | Message |
| Chiranjeevi | “Painter, Sanskrit scholar, writer… a multifaceted genius. May his soul find peace.” |
| Pawan Kalyan | “Deeply saddened. He had immense passion for arts and literature.” |
| Mahesh Babu | Paid respects in person |
| Rajamouli | Attended the funeral alongside family |
| Teja Sajja | Called him a “visionary lyricist” on X |
| Sampath Nandi | Thanked him for elevating lyrical standards in Telugu cinema |
Legacy
- Transformed Sanskrit into mainstream cinema lyrics with spiritual meaning and elegance.
- His family remains active in Indian and global cinema.
- Remembered as a quiet pillar of Telugu film culture, blending tradition and creativity.
FAQs About Siva Shakthi Datta
-
What was Siva Shakthi Datta’s real name?
His birth name was Koduri Subbarao.
-
Which are his most famous works?
Songs in Baahubali, RRR, Magadheera, Hanu-Man, and Sri Ramadasu.
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Was he related to Rajamouli?
Yes, he was Rajamouli’s uncle, and M.M. Keeravani’s father.
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