MM Keeravani’s Father Shivashakti Datta Passes Away

Renowned lyricist and writer Shivashakti Datta, father of Oscar-winning music director MM Keeravani, has passed away. While today’s generation mostly knows him as Keeravani’s father and the uncle of director SS Rajamouli, Shivashakti Datta had his own strong identity and creative background.

His real name was Koduri Subbarao, and he was born on October 8, 1932. He hailed from Kovvur, near Rajahmundry, and was the elder brother of veteran writer Vijayendra Prasad, making him Rajamouli’s paternal uncle.

Shivashakti Datta grew up in a large and well-off family. His father, Vijay Apparao, was a landlord and contractor, and also ran a transport company with 12 buses, which was a big deal at that time. Datta was the second child in the family.

He studied intermediate at CR Reddy College in Eluru, but left midway to join JJ School of Arts in Mumbai, where he completed a diploma in arts. Within two years, he returned home and started writing under the pen name Kamalesh, with his articles and poems appearing in various magazines.

Later, he moved to Chennai and worked as an assistant to a few film directors. Though he started a film called Pillanagrovi, it remained unfinished. During this time, he met director K Raghavendra Rao, and eventually worked with his younger brother Vijayendra Prasad on the script of Janaki Ramudu, starring Nagarjuna.

From there, his journey in cinema continued. While his son MM Keeravani became a successful music composer, and his brother Vijayendra Prasad grew as a top writer and director, Shivashakti Datta built his own reputation, especially for his command over Sanskrit. He penned lyrics for several hit films including Chatrapathi, Baahubali, Om Namo Venkatesaya, NTR Kathanayakudu, Savyasachi, Zombie Reddy, Hanuman and more.

He also directed a couple of films Ardhangi in 1996 along with his brother, and Chandrahas in 2007 starring Krishna, though both didn’t do well at the box office.

Shivashakti Datta’s passing is a deep loss to the Telugu film industry. He will be remembered for his unique voice and contributions to cinema.