Siva Shakthi Datta

Koduri Siva Shakthi Datta (8 October 1932 – 7 July 2025) was an Indian lyricist, screenwriter and painter who worked in Telugu cinema. He was known for writing Sanskrit-based song lyrics in Telugu films. He was the elder brother of screenwriter V. Vijayendra Prasad, father of music director M. M. Keeravani and the uncle of director S. S. Rajamouli.

Early life Siva Shakthi Datta was born as Koduri Subbarao on 8 October 1932. His family hails from Kovvur near Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh. His father was Koduri Vijaya Apparao. Apparao was a landlord, a contractor and also ran a transport company in Kovvur with 12 buses. Apparao was fond of arts. His second son was Subbarao, who later changed his name to Baburao.

Later Prasad got introduced to K. Raghavendra Rao through Samatha Arts' Mukherjee who was a friend of his. Raghavendra Rao started giving Datta and Prasad small assignments. They got their first break with Janaki Ramudu (1988) which became successful at the box office. Datta was the uncle of director S. S. Rajamouli, and music composer M. M. Srilekha.

Datta died at his home in Hyderabad, on 7 July 2025, at the age of 92.

Awards IIFA Utsavam

Nominated for Best Lyricist – Telugu for "Mamathala Thalli" from Baahubali: The Beginning.

Filmography As director Chandrahas (2007)

As screenwriter Janaki Ramudu (1988)

Discography

As lyricist