Hyderabad: Telangana anthem lyricist Andeshree died on Monday morning after collapsing at his residence. The 64-year-old poet suddenly fell unconscious, prompting his family to rush him to Gandhi Hospital. Doctors examined him and confirmed that he had died before reaching the hospital.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, former CM K Chandrashekar Rao, ministers, political leaders, and leading figures from the literary and film worlds expressed deep sorrow over his sudden death.
Telangana anthem lyricist Andeshree remembered for his powerful poetry
Born as Ellayya on July 18, 1961, in Rebarthi village of Maddur mandal, Siddipet district, Andeshree rose from humble beginnings. He started life as a shepherd and later worked as a construction labourer to support his family. Despite having no formal education, he grew into one of Telangana’s most admired poets.
His song “Mayamaipothunnadamma” earned him immense popularity during the Telangana movement and became a rallying cry for the cause. Known for his quick improvisation, Andeshree inspired many with his spontaneous poetry and unwavering commitment to Telangana’s cultural identity.
He won the Nandi Award in 2006 for his lyrics in the film Gang. Kakatiya University honoured him with a doctorate for his literary achievements. The Academy of Universal Global Peace conferred another doctorate on him in 2014. In 2015, he received both the Dasarathi Sahitya Award and the Ravuri Bharadwaj Sahitya Award. Later, he won the Nakamma National Award in 2022 and the Dasarathi Krishnamachary Sahitya Award and Lok Nayak Award in 2024.
Andeshree is survived by his wife, three daughters, and a son.