Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry
| Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born |
Chembolu Seetharama Sastry 1955 (age 59–60) |
| Occupation | Lyricist |
| Nationality | Indian |
Chembolu Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry (born 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
Seetharama Sastry debuted with writing songs for Kasinathuni Viswanath . The songs in the movie Sirivennela were so phenomenally popular that the name of this movie got tagged to his given name. However his debut song was for Janani Janmabhoomi(1984) movie where his name was shown as Ch Seeta Rama Sastry (Bharani).
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 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 Award 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 Award 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 its 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 along with "Veturi" and "Aatreya". Most of the younger lyricists like Chandra Bose, Ananth Sreeram and Rama Jogayya Sastri consider him as their guru.
He has written over 3000 songs till date and was felicitated for this achievement in the Audio function of 2014 movie Mukunda.
Longtime Association
He is known to have a long time association ship with banners "Annapurna Studios" and "Sumanth Art Productions" and directors "Ram Gopal Varma", "K. Viswanath", "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 Choothamu 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.
For "Ushakiran Movies" he wrote lyrics in films like Nuvve Kaavali, Istam, Anandam.
With "Ram Gopal Varma", he has worked for many films, contributing lyrics, such as Siva, 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 Seetharama 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 Seetharama 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 has time and again conveyed the essence of life by giving simple yet powerful examples and motivated people into living a happy, meaningful life irrespective of the hurdles one encounters. Some examples for this kind of songs include "Aakasam Thakela" (Nuvvostanantey Nenoddantana), "Entha Varaku" (Gamyam). Some of his songs also have rebellious tendencies, criticizing the shortcomings and social evils of society in songs like "Niggadeesi Adugu" (Gaayam), "Ardha Satabdhapu" (Sindhooram). He also wrote songs which have humour like "Vaareva Emi Face uu" (Money).
His lyrics use simple, everyday Telugu to convey deep feelings and powerful statements. He is often considered as the most versatile Telugu film lyricist currently working because he has contributed lyrics for songs comprising all kinds of genres like duets, hero introduction, romantic, devotional, thought provoking, lighter vein.
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.
Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry adopted Krishna Vamsi, not legally through Indian Government Gazette, but by traditional Hindu method.
Other work
Sitarama Sastri has given advertisements to "Subhagruha" and he is the Brand Ambassador.[7] His interpretation of his Lyrics & Poetry has been published as a book named "Sirivennela Tarangalu". Sitarama Sastri attended Loksatta Party on 3 March 2014 in a public event in Tirupati.[8] He mentioned in a lot of his interviews about the influence and association with RSS. He calls himself a swayam sevak.
In summer of 2014 along with singers Parthasaradhi (Parthu) and Sahithi, he toured many cities in United States presenting the concept behind the lyrics called "Sirivennela Antharangaalu". This one of a kind program was a big success in all the places.
Awards and honours
Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry 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 received the state sponsored Nandi Award for Best Lyricist for his debut film, a record still unequaled. 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 and 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 too remains unbroken.
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 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" |
- 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
| 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 | --andela ravamedi |
| 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 | Gammyam | 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, Thala Yetti Jeevinchu Thammuda, Dailamo Dailamo |
| 2009 | Kick | Raviteja, Iliyana, | Thaman S | Manase tadiselaa |
| 2010 | golkonda high school | sumanth, swathy reddy, | kalyani malik | jago jago |
| 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 | ||
| 2014 | Oohalu Gusagusalaade | Naga Shourya, Rashi Khanna, Avasarala Srinivas | Kalyani Koduri | "Inthakante veree " |
| Anaamika | Shekhar Kammula | M. M. Keeravani | All Songs | |
| Govindudu Andarivadele | Krishna Vamsi | Yuvan Shankar Raja | Ra Ra Rakumara | |
| Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham | Sai Dharam Tej | Anoop Rubens | Aa Roje Tolisari | |
| Mukunda | Varun Tej | Mickey J Meyer | All Songs | |
| 2015 | OK Bangaram | Dulquer Salmaan, Nithya Menen | A. R. Rahman | All Songs |
| S/O Satyamurthy | Allu Arjun | Devi Sri Prasad | Come to the party |
References
- ↑ "Sirivennala cameo in Gaayam". Youtube.com. Retrieved 23 February 2015.
- ↑ "NRI Corner | Non Resident Indian Information". Teluguone.com. Retrieved 24 April 2013.
- ↑ "Happy birthday to sirivennela seetarama sastry :Sakshi - Mirchi 9 – Telugu TV Shows". 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". Teluguone.com. Retrieved 24 April 2013.
- ↑
- ↑ "Sirivennela Sitaramasastri Brand Ambassador for Subhagruha projects india pvt ltd.". YouTube. 2013-08-31. Retrieved 2015-02-23.
- ↑ "Politics are Corrupted Songwriter Sirivennela Sitarama Sastry | 10tv". YouTube. 2014-03-03. Retrieved 2015-02-23.
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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