Who Was Siva Shakthi Datta? Father Of ‘Naatu Naatu’ Composer MM Keeravaani Passes Away

Renowned Telugu lyricist, writer and filmmaker Shiva Shakti Dutt passed away on Monday night, July 7, at the age of 92 due to age-related health issues. Dutt was known for his mythological and poetic songs, and has left a rich and impressive legacy in Telugu cinema.

He was the father of Academy Award winning composer M.M. Keeravani and brother of noted screenwriter V. Vijayendra Prasad. Also, he was the uncle of film director S.S. Rajamouli, composer M.M. Srilekha and singer-composer Kalyani Malik.

Dutt worked together with his son and brother several times, including major films like ‘Baahubali’, ‘RRR’, ‘Magadheera’, ‘Sri Ramadasu’ and ‘Rajanna’. Some of the memorable songs he wrote are: “Mammathala Talli”, “Raman Raghavam”, “Nalla Nallani Kalla”, “Saahore Baahubali” and “Amma Avani”.

He also directed the film Chandrahas and penned the screenplay for Janaki Ramudu, starring Nagarjuna.

Following the news of his demise, tributes poured in from across the Indian film industry. Actor and politician Pawan Kalyan expressed his condolences, he wrote, “I am saddened to learn of the demise of Shri Siva Shakthi Datta, father of music director Keeravani. I pray for his soul to rest in peace. He had great respect for art and literature and contributed significantly to Telugu and Sanskrit lyricism. My deepest sympathies to Keeravani gaaru and family during this time of loss.”

శ్రీ శివశక్తి దత్తా గారి ఆత్మకు శాంతి చేకూరాలి

ప్రముఖ సంగీత దర్శకులు శ్రీ కీరవాణి గారి తండ్రి, రచయిత, చిత్రకారులు శ్రీ శివశక్తి దత్తా గారు కన్ను మూశారని తెలిసి చింతించాను. శ్రీ దత్తా గారి ఆత్మకు శాంతి చేకూరాలని భగవంతుణ్ణి ప్రార్థిస్తున్నాను. కళలు, సాహిత్యంపై ఎంతో అభిమానం…

— Deputy CMO, Andhra Pradesh (@APDeputyCMO) July 8, 2025