Andesri Passes Away, Pen Behind Telangana Anthem

The world of Telugu literature and cinema mourns the passing of Andesri, one of the most powerful revolutionary voices in modern Telugu writing. He breathed his last early this morning after suffering a cardiac arrest. Despite being rushed to the hospital, doctors could not save him. His death has deeply shocked writers, artists, and government circles alike.

Known for his bold, people-centered poetry and lyrics that resonated with the spirit of struggle, Andesri played a vital role in shaping the cultural voice of Telangana. His collaborations with People’s Star R. Narayana Murthy produced many unforgettable songs, including the iconic “Mayamaipothunnadamma Manishanna Vaadu” from Erra Samudram, which became a timeless anthem for the oppressed. The song’s inclusion in university Telugu curricula stands as proof of its literary and social impact.

His lyrical genius also shined in films like Bathukamma where songs like “Sinukamma Vana Sinukamma” and “Randi Kadali Randi” became chartbusters and Jai Bolo Telangana, which featured the stirring “Jana Jatharalo Mana Geetham.” His work in Gang (2006) earned him the prestigious Nandi Award from the then united Andhra Pradesh government.

Born as Ellayya in Rebarthi village of Siddipet district on July 31, 1961, Andesri had limited formal education but immense creative fire. From a young age, his poetry reflected the pulse of the people and the dream of a free Telangana. He became one of the leading literary voices of the Telangana movement.

Over the years, he received several major honors, including the Dasharathi Sahithi Puraskaram (2015), Janakamma National Award (2022), and the Dasharathi Krishnamachary Sahithi Puraskaram (2024). However, his greatest recognition came when the Telangana state government chose his words for the official state song “Jaya Jaya He Telangana.”