Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry (born Chembolu Seetharama Sastry; 20 May 1955 – 30 November 2021) was an Indian poet and

lyricist A lyricist is a songwriter who writes lyrics (the spoken words), as opposed to a composer, who writes the song's music which may include but not limited to the melody, harmony, arrangement and accompaniment. Royalties A lyricist's income ...

known for his works in

Telugu cinema Telugu cinema, also known as Tollywood, is the segment of Indian cinema dedicated to the production of motion pictures in the Telugu language, widely spoken in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Telugu cinema is based in Film Nagar, Hy ...

and

Telugu theatre Telugu theatre is Indian theatre in the Telugu language, based in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Gurajada Apparao wrote the play, ''Kanyasulkam'' in 1892, which is often considered the greatest play in the Telugu language.20th Cent ...

. He acquired the

stage name A stage name is a pseudonym used by performers and entertainers—such as actors, comedians, singers, and musicians. Such professional aliases are adopted for a wide variety of reasons and they may be similar, or nearly identical, to an individu ...

Sirivennela after writing the lyrics for

K. Viswanath Kasinadhuni Viswanath (born 19 February 1930) is an Indian film director, screenwriter and actor, known for his works primarily in Telugu cinema. He is recipient of five National Film Awards, seven state Nandi Awards, ten Filmfare Awards South ...

's directorial film of the same name in 1986. Sastry has garnered several awards including eleven state

Nandi Awards The Nandi Awards are the awards that recognise the excellence in Telugu cinema, Telugu theatre and Telugu television, and Lifetime achievements in Indian cinema. Presented annually by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, the award is named after ...

and four

Filmfare Awards South Filmfare Awards South is the South Indian segment of the annual Filmfare Awards, presented by the Filmfare magazine of The Times Group to honour both artistic and technical excellence of professionals in the Indian film industry encompassing ...

for his work. He has penned lyrics for over 3000 songs until 2020. In 2019, he was awarded the

Padma Shri Padma Shri (IAST: ''padma śrī''), also spelled Padma Shree, is the fourth-highest Indian honours system, civilian award of the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan. Instituted on 2 January 1954, ...

, the fourth-highest civilian award in India, for his contributions towards the field of arts and aesthetics.

Early life

Chembolu Seetharama Sastry was born on 20 May 1955 in Anakapalli in

Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh (, abbr. AP) is a state in the south-eastern coastal region of India. It is the seventh-largest state by area covering an area of and tenth-most populous state with 49,386,799 inhabitants. It is bordered by Telangana to the ...

, India.

Career

Seetharama Sastry was a lyricist for

with ''

Sirivennela ''Sirivennela'' () is a 1986 Indian Telugu-language romance film written and directed by K. Viswanath. The film stars Suhasini, Sarvadaman Banerjee and Moon Moon Sen. The film has music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. The film won five Nandi Awar ...

''. A particular highlight of the movie is the song "Vidhata Thalapuna", sung by

S. P. Balasubrahmanyam Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam (4 June 1946 – 25 September 2020), also referred to as SPB or SP Balu or Balu, was an Indian playback singer, television presenter, actor, music composer, dubbing artist, and film producer. He is wi ...

and

P. Susheela Pulapaka Susheela (born 13 November 1935), popularly known as P. Susheela, is an Indian playback singer associated with the South Indian cinema primarily from Andhra Pradesh for over six decades. She is one of the greatest and best-known playba ...

. The song is about

Aum ''Om'' (or ''Aum'') (; sa, ॐ, ओम्, Ōṃ, translit-std=IAST) is a sacred sound, syllable, mantra, or an invocation in Hinduism. ''Om'' is the prime symbol of Hinduism.Krishna Sivaraman (2008), ''Hindu Spirituality Vedas Through Ved ...

, the most sacred syllable in Hinduism, from which the

Veda FIle:Atharva-Veda samhita page 471 illustration.png, upright=1.2, The Vedas are ancient Sanskrit texts of Hinduism. Above: A page from the ''Atharvaveda''. The Vedas (, , ) are a large body of religious texts originating in ancient India. Co ...

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 The following is a list of recipients of the Nandi Award for Best Lyricist commissioned since 1977: Winners References {{DEFAULTSORT:Nandi Award For Best Lyricist Lyrics Lyrics are words that make up a song, usually consisting of v ...

for the song "Aadi Bhikshuvu". He won the Nandi Award for his first film. He then wrote lyrics for many songs in films such as ''

Swayam Krushi ''Swayamkrushi'' () is a 1987 Indian Telugu-language drama film written and directed by K. Viswanath. The film stars Chiranjeevi and Vijayashanti in main leads, while Sarvadaman D. Banerjee, and Sumalatha in other pivotal roles. The film chr ...

'', ''

Swarna Kamalam ''Swarnakamalam'' () is a 1988 Indian Telugu-language dance film written and directed by K. Viswanath. The film stars Venkatesh and Bhanupriya in the lead, while Sharon Lowen appears in a special role. The choreography is helmed by Kelucharan ...

'', '' Samsaram Oka Chadarangam'', ''

Shrutilayalu ''Sruthilayalu'' is a 1987 Telugu-language musical drama film, directed by K. Viswanath. The film stars Rajasekhar and Sumalatha with soundtrack composed by K. V. Mahadevan. It was released on 30 April 1987. The film garnered eight Nandi A ...

'', and ''Pelli Chesi Choodu''. The lyrics for these songs met with positive reception. He won his second

for the song "Telavardemo Swamy" from the film ''

'' and his third

for the song "Andela Ravamidi Padamuladaa" from the film ''

'' in 1988. He is the first person to have won Nandi Awards in three consecutive years in 1986, 1987 and 1988. He then wrote the lyrics to many songs from the films such as '' Swarakalpana'', ''Anna Thammudu'', ''

Indrudu Chandrudu ''Indrudu Chandrudu'' is a 1989 Indian Telugu-language black comedy film directed by Suresh Krissna and produced by D. Ramanaidu, starring Kamal Haasan, Vijayashanti and Charan Raj. It was released on 24 November 1989. The film is based on the ...

'', ''

Alludugaru ''Alludugaru'' or ''Alludu Garu'' is a 1990 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by K. Raghavendra Rao and produced by Mohan Babu under Lakshmi Prasanna Films. This film stars Mohan Babu and Shobhana in lead roles, while Ramya Krishna ...

'', and ''

Antam PT Aneka Tambang Tbk, colloquially known as Antam, is an Indonesian mining company. The company primarily produces gold and nickel, and is the largest producer of nickel in Indonesia. Until 2017, Antam was a directly state-owned company, before ...

'' with all songs garnering positive reception. His lyrics for the film ''

Gaayam ''Gaayam'' () is a 1993 Indian Telugu-language political thriller film, based on the 1980s Vijayawada Gang Warfare. Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, and story co-written by himself and Mani Ratnam, it stars Jagapathi Babu, Revathi, Urmila Matondka ...

'' were particularly well received, and Sastry was awarded his fourth

for the song "Surajyamavaleni" in 1993. He then wrote lyrics for many songs for films such as ''

Kshana Kshanam ''Kshana Kshanam'' () is a 1991 Indian Telugu-language road thriller and heist film written and directed by Ram Gopal Varma. The film stars Venkatesh, Sridevi, Paresh Rawal, and Rami Reddy. The plot follows Satya (Sridevi), a young woman who is ...

'', '' Swati Kiranam'', ''

Money Money is any item or verifiable record that is generally accepted as payment for goods and services and repayment of debts, such as taxes, in a particular country or socio-economic context. The primary functions which distinguish money are as ...

'', '' Govinda Govinda'', ''

Criminal In ordinary language, a crime is an unlawful act punishable by a state or other authority. The term ''crime'' does not, in modern criminal law, have any simple and universally accepted definition,Farmer, Lindsay: "Crime, definitions of", in Can ...

'', '' Gulabi'', '' Love Birds'' (Telugu Version), ''

Taraka Ramudu ''Taraka Ramudu'' is a 1997 Telugu romantic drama film directed by R. V. Udayakumar starring Srikanth and Soundarya. The film was dubbed in Tamil as ''Velli Nilave''. Cast * Srikanth as Ramudu *Soundarya as Taraka *Srikanya as Ramudu's cous ...

'', ''

Shubhalagnam ''Subhalagnam'' () is a 1994 Indian Telugu-language film co-written, directed, and scored by S. V. Krishna Reddy. It stars Jagapathi Babu, Aamani, and Roja. The film was produced by K. Venkateswara Rao under the Sri Priyanka Pictures banner and ...

'', '' Srikaram'' and ''

Little Soldiers ''Little Soldiers'' is a 1996 Telugu-language children's film written, directed, and produced by Gunnam Gangaraju. The film stars Kavya, Baladitya, Kota Srinivasa Rao, and Brahmanandam, with a soundtrack composed by Sri. Upon release, the film ...

''. He won his fifth and sixth

for the films ''

'' and '' Srikaram'' respectively. His next work was '' Ninne Pelladata'', in which he was the single card lyricist. He followed up with lyrics for songs in films such as ''

Shubha Muhurtam Shubha may refer to: * Shubha (Arabic), doubt, obscurity, suspicion or mis-grounded conceit * Shubha (Hindi), a Hindi word that means auspicious * ''Shubha'' (film), a 2006 film * Shubha (actress) Shubha is an Indian actress who acted prominent ...

'', '' Priya Raagaalu'', '' Aahaa..!'', '' Pelli Kanuka'', ''

Sindhooram ''Sindhooram'' () is a 1997 Indian Telugu-language crime film written and directed by Krishna Vamsi. The film stars Brahmaji and Sanghavi, with Ravi Teja and Soundarya in supporting roles. The film dealt with the intricacies of Naxalism in And ...

'', ''

Aavida Maa Aavide ''Aavida Maa Aavide'' ( en, She Is also My Wife, italic=yes) is a 1998 Telugu romantic comedy film written and directed by E. V. V. Satyanarayana, produced by D. Kishore under the Jayabheri Art Productions banner, presented by M. Murali Mohan. ...

'', ''Chandralekha'', ''

Wife of V. Varaprasad ''W/O V. Varaprasad'' is a 1997 Telugu romantic thriller film, produced by Ram Gopal Varma and directed by Vamsy. The film stars Vineeth and J. D. Chakravarthy. The film revolves around a romantic drama suspense story. The songs were penned b ...

'', ''

Seetharama Raju ''Seetharama Raju'' is a 1999 Indian Telugu language, Telugu-language action drama film, produced jointly by Nagarjuna Akkineni, D. Sivaprasad Reddy under the Great India Enterprises & Kamakshi Movies banner and directed by Y. V. S. Chowdary. ...

'', ''

Prema Katha ''Prema Katha'' () is a 1999 Indian Telugu-language romance drama film written by Vara Prasad Varma and directed by Ram Gopal Varma. It is the debut film of both Sumanth and Antara Mali as lead in Telugu film industry. The film opened to positive ...

'' etc. His lyrics received positive reception and won him his seventh and eighth

for the songs "Ardha Shatabdapu" (''Sindhooram'') and "Devudu Karunistadani" (''Prema Katha''). He started 2000s by writing lyrics for films such as '' Murari'', ''

Oh Chinadana Oh, OH, or Oh! is an interjection, often proclaiming surprise. It may refer to: Arts and entertainment Music Albums * ''Oh!'' (Girls' Generation album), 2010 * ''Oh!'' (ScoLoHoFo album), 2003 * ''OH (ohio)'', by Lambchop, 2008 * ''Oh!'', an E ...

'', ''

Okkadu ''Okkadu'' ( ''The One'') is a 2003 Indian Telugu-language romantic action film written and directed by Gunasekhar. It stars Mahesh Babu, Bhumika Chawla and Prakash Raj. The film was produced by M.S. Raju while music was composed by Mani Sharma ...

'', ''

Nuvve Kavali ''Nuvve Kavali'' () is a 2000 Indian Telugu-language romance film directed by K. Vijaya Bhaskar and produced by Ramoji Rao under Ushakiran Movies. A remake of the 1999 Malayalam film ''Niram'', the film stars Tarun, Richa Pallod, Sai Kiran, and ...

'', ''

Nuvvu Naaku Nachav ''Nuvvu Naaku Nachav'' () is a 2001 Indian Telugu-language romantic comedy film directed by K. Vijaya Bhaskar who co-wrote the film with Trivikram Srinivas. It is produced by Sravanthi Ravi Kishore under the Sri Sravanthi Movies studio. The fi ...

'', '' Manmadhudu'', ''

Ela Cheppanu ''Ela Cheppanu'' (English translation: ''How Should I Say?'') is a 2003 Indian Telugu-language film starring Tharun, Shriya Saran, and Vijayachander. The film was directed by B.V. Ramana. It is the remake of the Bollywood film ''Tum Bin''.htt ...

'', '' Varsham'', ''

Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana ''Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana'' (; ) is a 2005 Indian Telugu-language romantic comedy film directed by Prabhu Deva in his directorial debut and produced by M. S. Raju under Sumanth Art Productions who gave the screenplay as well. The film stars ...

'', ''

Chakram Chakram ( sa, , script=latn; pa, , script=latn) is a throwing weapon from the Indian subcontinent. One of its major purposes is to protect the turban and the head from sword/melee attacks. It is circular with a sharpened outer edge and a diamet ...

'', and ''

Happy Happiness, in the context of mental or emotional states, is positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy. Other forms include life satisfaction, well-being, subjective well-being, flourishing and eudaimonia. Sinc ...

''. Among these songs, "Hare Rama" (''Okkadu''), "Ekkada Unna" (''Nuvve Kavali''), "Aakasam Thakela" (''Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana'') and "Jagamantha Kutumbam" (''Chakram'') got positive reception with "Aakasam Thakela" winning him his first

Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist – Telugu The Telugu Filmfare Best Lyricist Award is given by the ''Filmfare'' magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards for Telugu films. The award was first given in 2005. Here is a list of the award winners and the films for which they won. Siriven ...

and "Jagamantha Kutumbam" winning him his ninth

. He followed up by writing lyrics for many songs from films such as ''

Bommarillu ''Bommarillu'' () () is a 2006 Indian Telugu-language romantic comedy film directed and co-written by Bhaskar in his directorial debut, and produced by Dil Raju. The film stars Siddharth, Genelia, Prakash Raj and Jayasudha. The film primarily ...

'', ''

Aadavari Matalaku Ardhalu Verule ''Aadavari Matalaku Arthale Verule'' () is a 2007 Indian Telugu language, Telugu-language romantic drama film written and directed by Selvaraghavan (credited as Sri Raghava). The film stars Venkatesh (actor), Venkatesh and Trisha (actress), Trish ...

'', ''

Gamyam ''Gamyam'' () is a 2008 Indian Telugu-language road film written and directed by Krish. The film stars Allari Naresh, Sharwanand, and Kamalinee Mukherjee. Loosely inspired by '' The Motorcycle Diaries'' (2004), the plot follows the quest o ...

'', ''

Sasirekha Parinayam Sasirekha Parinayam is an Indian folktale based on oral traditions popular in Telugu States. While it uses characters who appear in the ''Mahabharata'', the story is not present in the epic. The plot concerns the marriage of Sasirekha, called V ...

'', ''

Jalsa ''Jalsa'' () is a 2008 Indian Telugu-language action comedy film written and directed by Trivikram Srinivas and produced by Allu Aravind, under the Geetha Arts banner starring Pawan Kalyan, Ileana, Parvati Melton, Kamalinee Mukerji, Mukesh R ...

'', ''Parugu'', ''Kotha Bangaru Lokam'', ''Mahatma'' etc. "Entha Varaku" from ''

'' is often described as one of his best works and won him his tenth

and second

is for "Inthavaraku" from ''

'', the third

is for "Konthamandi Sontha Peru" from ''Mahatma'' & the fourth

is for "Raa Mundaduguveddham" from ''Kanche''. In 2011, he wrote lyrics for "Badulu Thochani" (''Mr. Perfect'') with 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''. He is considered one of the greatest lyricists in Telugu Film Industry along with Veturi and Acharya Aatreya, Aatreya. Most of the younger lyricists like Chandra Bose, Ananth Sreeram and Ramajogayya Sastry, Rama Jogayya Sastri consider him as their guru. He has written over 3000 songs and was felicitated for this achievement in the Audio function of 2014 movie Mukunda. His lyrics for 2015 song "Mental Madhilo" from ''OK Kanmani, OK Bangaram'' have received praise. His lyrics for ''OK Kanmani, OK Bangaram'' have been considered very apt for a dubbed version. He was the speaker at the Telugu Association of North America's celebrations held in Chicago Illinois, U.S. 2–4 July 2009. In 2014, he was also felicitated by the San Francisco Bay Area, Bay Area Telugu association.

Frequent collaborations

Seetharama Sastry is known to have a long time association with banners Annapurna Studios and Sumanth Art Productions and directors

, Ram Gopal Varma, Pasupuleti Krishna Vamsi, Krishna Vamsi and Trivikram Srinivas. For Annapurna Studios he has written lyrics for most of the songs from films such as ''Sisindri'', '' Ninne Pelladata'' (involving Krishna Vamsi), ''

'', ''Chandralekha (1998 film), Chandralekha'' (involving Krishna Vamsi), ''Yuvakudu'', ''Sri Sita Ramula Kalyanam Chootamu Raarandi, ''Sri Sita Ramula Kalyanam Chutamu Rarandi'''', ''

'' (involving Ram Gopal Varma), '' Aahaa..!'', '' Manmadhudu''. Among them, for most films he was the single card lyricist (lyrics for all songs written by a single lyricist). For Sumanth Art Productions, he contributed lyrics for films such as ''Manasantha Nuvve'', ''

'', ''Nee Sneham'', '' Varsham'', ''

'', ''Pournami (2006 film), Pournami'', ''Vaana (film), Vaana'' and ''Aata (2007 film), Aata'' and for most of the films he was the single card lyricist. For Ushakiran Movies he wrote lyrics in films like ''

'', ''Ishtam (2001 Telugu film), Ishtam'', ''Anandam''. With Ram Gopal Varma, he has worked on many films, contributing lyrics, such as ''Siva (1989 Telugu film), Siva'', ''

'', ''

'', '' Govinda Govinda'', ''Rangeli (Telugu dubbed version of Rangeela (1995 film), Rangeela)'', ''Anaganaga Oka Roju'', ''50-50'' (Telugu dubbed version of ''Daud (film), Daud''), ''Satya (1998 film), Satya'' (Telugu dubbed version), ''

'' and for many production ventures by Ram Gopal Varma such as ''

'', '' Gulabi'' etc. And for most of them, he was the single card lyricist. With

, he has worked on many films including his debut venture ''

'', ''Sruthilayalu'', ''Swayamkrushi'', ''

'', ''Aapadbandhavudu'', '' Swati Kiranam'', ''Subha Sankalpam'' etc.

is also known to have introduced Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry. Krishna Vamsi is known to be a big fan of Sitarama Sastry. The films for which Sitarama Sastry wrote lyrics, which were directed by Krishna Vamsi include ''Ninne Pelladatha'', '' Gulabi'', ''

'', ''Chandralekha (1998 film), Chandralekha'', '' Murari'', ''Khadgam'', ''

'', ''Mahatma'' etc. and more recently ''Paisa (2014 film), Paisa''. Trivikram Srinivas is a relative of Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry. Sitarama Sastry wrote lyrics to films directed by Trivikram such as ''Nuvve Nuvve'', ''Athadu'', ''

'' , ''Khaleja'', ''Son of Satyamurthy'', ''Agnyaathavaasi'' and ''Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo''

Style

Seetharama Sastry's 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 of this kind of song include "Aakasam Thakela" (''Nuvvostanantey Nenoddantana'', Prabhu Deva's directorial debut), "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). He was often considered the most versatile Telugu film lyricist working because he has contributed lyrics for songs comprising all kinds of genres like duets, hero introduction, romantic, devotional, thought provoking, lighter vein.

Other works

Seetharama Sastry was a celebrity actor for "Subhagruha", a real estate firm. His interpretation of his Lyrics & Poetry has been published as a book named ''Sirivennela Tarangalu''. Sitarama Sastry attended Lok Satta Party, Loksatta Party on 3 March 2014 in a public event in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati. 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".

Death

Seetharama Sastry died on 30 November 2021 at Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (hospital group), Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Secunderabad, Telangana due to lung cancer. On 24 November 2021, he was admitted to KIMS hospital with pneumonia and was put on ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) treatment for supporting his lungs.

Awards and honors

;Civilian honors *

(2019) ;Nandi Awards *

– ''

'' (1986) – "Vidhatha Thalapuna" * Nandi Award for Best Lyricist – ''Sruthilayalu'' (1987) – "Telavaarademo Swami" * Nandi Award for Best Lyricist – ''Swarnakamalam'' (1988) – "Andela Ravamidi Padamuladaa" * Nandi Award for Best Lyricist – ''

'' (1993) – "Surajyamavaleeni Swarajyamendukani" * Nandi Award for Best Lyricist – ''Subha Lagnam'' (1994) – "Chilaka Ee Thoodu Leeka" * Nandi Award for Best Lyricist – '' Srikaram'' (1996) – "Manasu Kaastha Kalatha Padithe" * Nandi Award for Best Lyricist – ''

'' (1997) – "Ardha Sathabdapu Agnananne" * Nandi Award for Best Lyricist – ''

'' (1999) – "Devudu Karunistaadani" * Nandi Award for Best Lyricist – ''Chakram (2005 film), Chakram'' (2005) – "Jagamanta Kutumbam Naadi" * Nandi Award for Best Lyricist – ''

'' (2008) – "Enta Varaku Endu Koraku" * Nandi Award for Best Lyricist - Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu (2013) - "Mari Anthagaa " ;Filmfare Awards South *

– ''

'' (2005) *

– ''

'' (2008) *

– ''Mahatma (film), Mahatma'' (2009) *

– ''Kanche'' (2015) Santosham Film Awards * Best Lyricist Award – ''Kanche'' (2015) South Indian International Movie Awards * SIIMA Award for Best Lyricist (Telugu) – ''Kanche'' (2015) ;Others * He is a winner of the Bronzed Llama which he is noted for in his home town of Anakapalli. * He was honored with Lifetime achievement award in January 2012.

Discography

This is a listing of the songs and tracks Sastry has contributed as a lyricist in the chronological order of films.

Notes

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Seetharama Sastry, Sirivennela 1955 births 2021 deaths Filmfare Awards South winners Indian male film actors Male actors from Andhra Pradesh Male actors in Telugu cinema Nandi Award winners People from Uttarandhra People from Visakhapatnam district Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts Santosham Film Awards winners Telugu-language lyricists Indian lyricists Indian songwriters Deaths from lung cancer in India Telugu poets Poets from Andhra Pradesh