Sirivennela Sitaramasastri
| Sirivennela Sitaramasastri | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born |
Chembolu Sitarama sastri 20 May 1955 |
| Occupation | Lyricist |
| Nationality | Indian |
Chembolu Sirivennela Sitaramasastri (born 20 May 1955) is an Indian lyricist known for his works in Telugu Cinema.[1] He won the Nandi Award for Best Lyricist 10 times and Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist – Telugu 3 times. He was the key note speaker at the Telugu Association of North America's celebrations held in Chicago between 2 and 4 July 2009[2][3] He is currently the highest paid film lyricist in Andhra Pradesh.[4] Recently, He was also felicitated by the Bay Area Telugu association[5]
Career
Sita Rama Sastri debuted with writing songs for K. Viswanath's Sirivennela. The songs in the movie were so phenomenally popular that the name of this movie got tagged to his given name.
The songs of this movie are wonderful and rich in meaning that each of the songs is remembered to this day as landmarks in Telugu film-music.
A particular highlight of the movie is the song "Vidhata Thalapuna", sung by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and P. Susheela. The song is about Aum, the most sacred syllable in Hinduism, from which the Veda traditions originated. Other notable songs include Adibhikshuvu Vadinedi Koredhi and Ee gali Ee Nela. The songs and their lyrics became hugely popular with Sastry, subsequently winning his first Nandi Award for Best Lyricist for the song "Aadi Bhikshuvu". He won Nandi Award for his first film itself, which was an unprecedented and never again record.
He then wrote lyrics for many songs in films such as "Swayam Krushi", "Swarna Kamalam", "Samsaram Oka Chadarangam", "Shrutilayalu", "Pelli Chesi Choodu". The lyrics for these songs got high reception and Sitarama Sastry was established as one of the major lyricists in Telugu Film Industry. He won his second Nandi Award for Best Lyricist for the song "Telavardemo Swamy" from the film Shrutilayalu and his third Nandi Award for Best Lyricist for the song "Andela Ravamidi Padamuladaa" from the film Swarna Kamalam in 1988. He also made record by winning hat-trick Nandi Awards in 1986, 1987 and 1988 and became the first one to do so.
His next major breakthrough was "Rudraveena". The lyrics for songs like "Tarali raada", said to have inspired many people.
He then gave lyrics to many songs from the films such as "Swarakalpana", "Anna Thammudu", "Indrudu Chandrudu", "Alludugaru", "Antam" with all songs gaining high critical reception. His lyrics for the film "Gaayam" were considered as a path breaking effort and gained him, his fourth Nandi Award for Best Lyricist for the song "Surajyamavaleni", in 1993.
He then wrote lyrics for many songs for the films such as "Kshana Kshanam", "Swati Kiranam", "Money", "Govinda Govinda", "Criminal", "Gulabi", "Love Birds (Telugu Version)", "Taraka Ramudu", "Shuba Lagnam", "Srikaram" and "Little Soldiers". All these songs made him extremely popular. He won his fifth and sixth Nandi Awards for Best Lyricist for the films "Shuba Lagnam" and "Srikaram" respectively.
His next venture was "Ninne Pelladatha", in which he was the single card lyricist. All songs were big hits, both lyrically and musically.
He followed up with lyrics for songs in films such as "Shubha Muhurtam", "Priya Raagaalu", "Aaha", "Pelli Kanuka", "Sindhooram", "Aavida Maa Aavide", "Chandralekha", "Wife of V. Varaprasad", "Seetharama Raju", "Prema Katha" e.t.c. The lyrics for all these songs got appreciated. However, lyrics for the songs in the films "Sindhooram", "Prema Katha" stand out. The former one was about naxalism and the latter one was a tragedy love story. His lyrics got extremely positive reception and won him his seventh and eighth Nandi Awards for Best Lyricist for the songs "Ardha Shatabdapu" (Sindhooram) and "Devudu Karunistadani" (Prema Katha).
He started 2000s by writing lyrics for films such as "Murari", "Oh Chinadana", "Okkadu", "Nuvve Kavali", "Nuvvu Naaku Nachav", "Manmadhudu", "Ela Cheppanu", "Varsham", "Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana", "Chakram", "Happy"e.t.c. Among these songs, "Hare Rama" (Okkadu), "Ekkada Unna" (Nuvve Kavali), "Aakasam Thakela" (Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana) and "Jagamantha Kutumbam" (Chakram) got exceptional reception with "Aakasam Thakela" winning him, his first Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist – Telugu and "Jagamantha Kutumbam" winning him his ninth Nandi Award for Best Lyricist.
He followed up by writing lyrics for many songs from films such as "Bommarillu", "Aadavari Matalaku Ardhalu Verule", "Gamyam", "Sasirekha Parinayam", "Jalsa", "Parugu", "Kotha Bangaru Lokam", "Mahatma" e.t.c Lyrics for all these songs became popular. Particularly, "Entha Varaku" from "Gamyam" is often described as one of his best works and won him his tenth Nandi Award for Best lyricist and third Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist – Telugu (the second Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist – Telugu is for "Indiramma" from Mahatma)
In 2011, he wrote lyrics for "Badulu Thochani" (Mr. Perfect) which rave reviews for it's lyrical content. He also wrote lyrics for many songs from the films such as "Oh My Friend", "Oosaravelli", "Tuneega Tuneega", "Onamalu", "Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum", "Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu", "Greeku Veerudu", "Paisa", "Om 3D", "Balupu", "Anthaka Mundu Aa Tarvatha", "Adavi Kaachina Vennela". The lyrics for the songs, written by him, from these films got high appreciation.
He is considered as one of the greatest lyricist in Telugu Film Industry and is often regarded as next best to "Aatreya", who is considered as the best ever Telugu Film Lyricist.
Longtime Association
He is known to have a long time association ship with banners "Annapurna Studios" and "Sumanth Art Produtions" and directors "Ram Gopal Varma", "K. Viswanath", "Pasupuleti Krishna Vamsi" and "Trivikram Srinivas".
For "Annapurna Studios" he has written lyrics for most of the songs from films such as "Sisindri" "Ninne Pelladatha" (Involving Krishna Vamsi), "Little Soldiers", "Chandralekha" (Involving Krishna Vamsi, "Yuvakudu", "sree seetharamula kalyanam chothamu rarandi", "Prema Katha" (Involving Ram Gopal Varma), "Aaha", "Manmadhudu". Among them, for most films he was the single card lyricist (Which means, lyrics for all songs written by a single lyricist).
For "Sumanth Art Productions", he contributed lyrics for films such as "Manasantha Nuvve" "Okkadu", "Nee Sneham", "Varsham", "Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana", "Pournami", "Vaana" and "Aata" and for most of the films he was the single card lyricist.
With Ram Gopal Varma, he has worked for many films, contributing lyrics, such as "Antam", "Kshana Kshanam", "Gaayam", "Govinda Govinda", "Rangeli (Telugu dubbed version of Rangeela)", "Anaganaga Oka Roju", "50-50 (Telugu dubbed version of Daud)", "Satya (Telugu dubbed version)", "Prema Katha" and form many production ventures by Ram Gopal Varma such as "Money", "Gulabi" e.t.c. And for most of them, he was the single card lyricist.
With "K. Viswanath", he has worked for many films including his debut venture "Sirivennela", "Shrutilayalu", "Swayamkrushi", "Swarna Kamalam", "Aapadbandhavudu", "Swati Kiranam", "Subha Sankalpam" e.t.c. K. Viswanath is also known to have introduced Sirivennela Sitarama Sastry.
Krishna Vamsi is known to be a big fan Sitarama Sastry. The films for which Sitarama Sastry wrote lyrics, which are directed by Krishna Vamsi include "Ninne Pelladatha", "Gulabi", "Sindhooram", "Chandralekha", "Murari", "Khadgam", "Chakram", "Mahatma" e.t.c and more recently "Paisa".
"Trivikram Srinivas" is a relative to Sirivennela Sitarama Sastry. Sitarama Sastry wrote lyrics to films directed by Trivikram such as "Nuvve Nuvve", "Athadu", "Jalsa" and "Khaleja".
Style
His lyrics are known to have extreme optimistic value. Through his lyrics, he, many times conveyed the essence of the life by giving simple yet powerful examples and urged to have a happy life, irrespective of the hurdles one get. Some examples for this kind of songs include "Aakasam Thakela" (Nuvvostanantey Nenoddantana), "Entha Varaku" (Gamyam). At times, he is also found to be rebelistic, criticising the short comings and social evils of this society in songs like "Niggadeesi Adugu" (Gaayam), "Ardha Satabdhapu" (Sindhooram) e.t.c. He also wrote songs which have humour like "Vaareva Emi Face uu" (Money)e.t.c.
He is known to write lines having great meaning using very simple words. He is often considered as most "Versatile" Telugu film lyricist. Because, he has contributed lyrics for songs comprising all kinds of genres, like duets, hero introduction, romantic, devotional, thought provoking, lighter vein e.t.c.
Personal life
Sitarama Sastri is married and has two sons and a daughter.[6] He lives in Hyderabad, India.
His elder son Yogeswara Sharma is music director and his younger son Raja is an actor.
Other work
Sitarama Sastri has given advertisements to "Subhagruha" and he is the Brand Ambassador.[7][8]
Awards and honours
Sirivennela Sitaramasastri is considered as one of the best lyricists, Telugu Film Industry has ever produced. He is critically acclaimed as well as highly popular. For his highly acclaimed works, he was awarded Nandi Award for Best Lyricist for ten times and Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist – Telugu for three times.
He got Nandi Award for Best Lyricist for his debut film istelf, which is, still, an unbroken record. He completed a hat-trick by winning Nandi Award for Best Lyricist three times consecutively in years 1986, 1987 and 1988. This was an unprecedented record. This record was broken by himself by winning Nandi Award for Best Lyricist consecutively for five times in years 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997 and 1999 (In 1996 and 1998, Nandi Award for Best Lyricist was not awarded), which was unprecedented and even unbroken till now.
Among the Nandi Award for Best Lyricist winners, he holds the record for highest number of wins, i.e., Ten (10) times.
Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist – Telugu was introduced only in 2005 and since then he was awarded it for three times. Even in Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist – Telugu category, he holds the record for highest number of wins, i.e., Three (3) times.
| Year | Movie | Song(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Sirivennela | "Aadi Bhikshuvu" |
| 1987 | Shrutilayalu | "Telavaarademo Swami" |
| 1988 | Swarnakamalam | "Andela Ravamidi Padamuladaa" |
| 1993 | Gaayam | "Surajyamavaleeni Swarajyamendukani" |
| 1994 | Shubha Lagnam | "Chilaka Ee Thoodu Leeka" |
| 1996 | Sreekaram | "Manasu Kaastha Kalatha Padithe" |
| 1997 | Sindhooram | "Ardha Sathabdapu Agnananne" |
| 1999 | Prema Katha | "Devudu Karunistaadani" |
| 2005 | Chakram | "Jagamanta Kutumbam Naadi" |
| 2008 | Gamyam | "Enta Varaku Endu Koraku" |
- Nominated—SIIMA Award for Best Lyricist for "Jaruguthunnaadi" - Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum (2012)
- Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist – Telugu - Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana (2005)
- Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist – Telugu - Gamyam (2008)
- Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist – Telugu - Mahatma (2009)
- Honours
- He is a winner of the Bronzed Llama for which he is noted for in his home town of Anakapalli.
- He is honored with Lifetime achievement award in January 2012.
Partial filmography
Gola Seenu || Sri, tashu kaushik || Dr. Josyabhatla || "Naatho edo", "Simhalai"| Year | Movie | Cast | Music | Song(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Sirivennela | Sarvadaman Banerjee, Suhasini | K V Mahadevan | Vidhata talpuna, Chandamam ravey, Merisey taralona, Aadi Bhikshuvu, Ee gali ee nela, Prakruti Kanta ku |
| 1987 | Swayam Krushi | Chiranjeevi, Vijayashanti | Ramesh Naidu | -- |
| Samsaram Oka Chadarangam | Gollapudi, Sharat Babu, Rajendra Prasad | K. Chakravarthy | ||
| Shrutilayalu | Rajasekhar, Sumalata, | K.V. Mahadevan | -- | |
| 1988 | Swarnakamalam | Venkatesh, Bhanupriya | Ilayaraja | -- |
| Pelli Chesi Choodu | , | -- | ||
| Rudraveena | Chiranjeevi, Shobhana, | Ilayaraja | Chuttu Pakkala Choodara, Lalita Priya Kamalam, Manava Seva Drohama, Nammaku Nammaku Ee Reyini, Neethone Aagena Sangeetham, Randi Randi Randi, Tarali Raada Tane Vasantham, Tulasi Dalamulache | |
| 1989 | Swarakalpana | Bhanupriya | Ilayaraja | -- |
| Anna Thammudu | Raj-Koti | |||
| Indrudu Chandrudu | Kamal Hassan, Vijayashanti | Ilayaraaja | Laali Jo Laali Jo Ooruko Papayi, Nachina Fuddu Vechani Beddu | |
| 1990 | Alludugaru | Mohan Babu, Shobhana, Ramya Krishna | K V Mahadevan | -- |
| Antam | Nagarjuna, Urmila | R D Burman | -- | |
| 1992 | Gaayam | Jagapati Babu, Revathi | Sri | Alupannadi Unda, Niggateesi Adugu |
| Kshana Kshanam | Venkatesh, Sridevi | M. M. Keeravani | Jamu ratiri Jabilamma -- | |
| Swati Kiranam | Mammooty | K. V. Mahadevan | Anatineeyara, Shruti neevu, Teli manchu | |
| 1993 | Money | J. D. Chakravarthy, Chinna, Jayasudha | Sri Murthy | Badhram be careful brotheru |
| Govinda Govinda | Nagarjuna, Sridevi | Koti | -- | |
| 1995 | Criminal | Nagarjuna, Manisha Koirala, Ramya Krishna | M. M. Keeravani | -- |
| Gulabi | J D Chakravarthy, Maheswari | Shashi Preetam | -- | |
| 1996 | Love Birds | Prabhu Deva, Nagma | A R Rahman | -- |
| 1997 | Taraka Ramudu | Soundarya, Srikanth | Koti | -- |
| Shubha Muhurtam | Aamani, Indraja, Vinod Kumar | M. M. Keeravani | -- | |
| Priya Raagaalu | Jagapathi Babu, Soundarya, Maheswari | M. M. Keeravani | -- | |
| 1998 | Aaha | Jagapati Babu, Sanghavi | Vandemataram Srinivas | Aahvanamandi Andam, Antyakshari, Manasaina Priya, Priyurali Address, Suvve Suvvamma |
| Pelli Kanuka | Jagapathi Babu, Lakshmi, Bhanumathi | M. M. Keeravani | -- | |
| Aavida Maa Aavide | Nagarjuna, Tabu, Heera | Srinivas Chakravarthy | -- | |
| Wife of V. Varaprasad | Avani, J. D. Chakravarthy, Vineeth | M. M. Keeravani | -- | |
| 1999 | Seetharama Raju | Jagapathi Babu, Sanghavi, Nagarjuna, Sakshi Sivanand | M. M. Keeravani | -- |
| Prema Katha | Sumanth, Antra Mali | Sandeep Chowta | Devudu Karunistadani | |
| 2001 | Murari | Mahesh Babu, Sonali Bendre | Mani Sharma | Ekkada ekkada, cheppamma cheppamma, bhama bhama |
| 2002 | Oh Chinadana | Gajala, Srikanth | Vidya Sagar | -- |
| Okkadu | Mahesh Babu, Bhumika Chawla | Mani Sharma | -- | |
| Allari | Allari Naresh, Swetha Agarwal | Paul J | -- | |
| 2003 | Ela Cheppanu | Tarun Kumar, Shriya Saran | Koti | -- |
| 2004 | Varsham | Prabhas, Trisha Krishnan | Devi Sri Prasad | -- |
| 2005 | Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana | Sidharth, Trisha Krishnan | Devi Sri Prasad | Chandrullo Unde kundhelu, Niluvaddam ninu, Something Something, Aakasham taakela, Paaripoke Pittaa, Adirey adirey |
| Happy | Allu Arjun, Genelia D'Souza | Yuvan Shankar Raja | Nee Kosam | |
| Chakram | Prabhas, Asin, Charmy, Prakash Raj | Chakri | Jagamanta Kutumbam songs | |
| 2006 | Bommarillu | Siddharth Narayan, Genelia D'Souza, Prakash Raj | Devi Sri Prasad | Nammaka Tappani |
| 2007 | Aadavari Matalaku Ardhalu Verule | Venkatesh, Trisha Krishnan | Yuvan Shankar Raja | Allante Dooraana, Manasa Manninchamma |
| 2008 | Gamyam | Allari Naresh, Sharwanand, Kamalinee Mukherjee | Anil R, Murthy ES | Enta Varaku |
| Sasirekha Parinayam | Tarun Kumar, Genelia D'Souza | Mani Sharma | Ninne Ninne, Ila Entha sepila, Yedo Yedo both versions | |
| Jalsa | Pawan Kalyan, Ileana D'Cruz | Devi Sri Prasad | Jalsa, My Heart Is Beating, You and I, Chalore Chalore Chal | |
| Parugu | Allu Arjun | Mani Sharma | Parugulu, Hrudayam | |
| Kotha Bangaru Lokam | Varun Sandesh, Shweta Prasad, Prakash Raj, Ahuti Prasad | Mickey J Meyer | Nenani Neevani, Nee Prasnalu Neeve, Ok Anesa | |
| 2009 | Mahatma | Srikanth, Bhavana | Vijay Anthony | Indiramma inti Peru kadura Gandhi, Em jarugutondi |
| 2011 | Mr. Perfect | Prabhas Uppalapati, Kajal Agarwal, Taapsee Pannu | Devi Sri Prasad | Badulu Tochanai |
| 2011 | Oh My Friend | Siddharth Narayan, Shruti Haasan, Hansika Motwani | Rahul Raj | |
| 2011 | Oosaravelli | Jr.Ntr | Devi Sri Prasad | Sri Anjaneyam |
| 2012 | Tuneega Tuneega | Sumanth Ashwin, Rhea Chakraborty | Karthik Raja | "Dhigu Dhigu Jabilee", "Hatsoff Oyi Brahma", "Ahista Ahista" |
| Onamalu | Rajendra Prasad | Koti | All Songs "Sooridu", "Arudhaina", "Pandugante", "Hey Yamma", "Pillalu Baagunnara" | |
| Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum | Rana Daggubati, Nayantara | Mani Sharma | Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum, Spicy Spicy Girl, Ararey Pasi Manasaa | |
| 2013 | Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu | Venkatesh, Mahesh Babu, Samantha, Anjali | Mickey J Meyer | Yem Cheddaam, Mari Antaga, Meghaallo |
| Greeku Veerudu | Nagarjuna, Nayantara, K. Viswanath | S. S. Thaman | Ee Parikshalo Thanaku | |
| Paisa | Nani, Catherine Tresa | Sai Karthik | "Eppudaithe Puttindo", "Mayya Mayya", "Neetho Edo", "Paisa Paisa" | |
| Om 3D | Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, Kriti Kharbanda, Nikesha Patel | Achu Rajamani | Cheliya | |
| Balupu | Ravi Teja, Shruti Hassan, Brahmanandam | S.S. Thaman | Emaindo.. | |
| Anthaka Mundu Aa Tarvatha | Sumanth Ashwin, Eesha | Kalyani Koduri | Gammatthuga Unnadi, Thene Mullula, Nenena Aa Nenena | |
| Adavi Kaachina Vennela | Arvind Krishna, Meenakshi Dixit, Pooja Ramachadran, Rishi | Dr. Josyabhatla |
References
- ↑ "Sirivennala cameo in Gaayam".
- ↑ "NRI Corner | Non Resident Indian Information | NRI News | NRI News in Telugu | India NRI News | Indian NRI News". Teluguone.com. Retrieved 24 April 2013.
- ↑ "Happy birthday to sirivennela seetarama sastry :Sakshi - Mirchi 9 – Telugu TV Shows | Telugu Movie Trailers | Telugu Movie Interviews | Telugu Game Shows | Telugu Serials". Mirchi9.com. 20 May 2011. Retrieved 24 April 2013.
- ↑ "Tv9 - Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry's Song Costs Rs 2.5lac". ap7am. Retrieved 24 April 2013.
- ↑ "BATA felicitates Sri SiriVennela Sita Rama Sastry garu NRI Events | NRI Corner | Non Resident Indian Information | NRI News | NRI News in Telugu | India NRI News | Indian NRI News". Teluguone.com. Retrieved 24 April 2013.
- ↑ http://www.newsofap.com/articles_details.php?articles_auto_id=331&name=sirivennela-sitarama-sastry-profile-biography&start=240
- ↑ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5_OjfaB_pk
- ↑ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oLTwmEgTbE
External links
- Interview with Sirivennela
- Sirivennela on IMDB
- Website on Sirivennela Seetharama Shastry Poetry Analysis
- Trivikram Srinivas speech about Sirivennela Seetarama Sastry Garu
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