The literary and cultural landscape of Telangana suffered a significant loss with the passing of renowned poet and lyricist Ande Sri on Tuesday. The celebrated writer, whose real name was Ande Srimannarayana, breathed his last at a private hospital in Hyderabad after a brief illness. He was 64 years old.
A Literary Voice of Telangana
Ande Sri emerged as one of the most influential literary figures during the Telangana statehood movement, using his powerful words to capture the aspirations and struggles of the region's people. Born on August 18, 1960, in Garla village of Mahabubabad district, his journey from a rural background to becoming one of Telangana's most recognized poetic voices remains inspirational.
The poet had been undergoing treatment for liver-related ailments at AIG Hospital in Gachibowli when his condition deteriorated. Medical sources confirmed he was admitted to the hospital approximately ten days before his passing and had been under the care of specialist physicians.
Political and Cultural Tributes Pour In
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy led the condolences, expressing profound grief over the poet's demise. In his official statement, the CM highlighted how Ande Sri's revolutionary songs and poems became anthems during the separate Telangana movement, inspiring millions of activists and common people alike.
Several other political leaders, including Minister Konda Surekha and representatives from various literary organizations, visited the poet's residence in Nizampet to pay their respects. The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) party also issued a statement mourning the loss of what they described as "a revolutionary poet whose words fueled the statehood struggle."
The literary community across Telugu-speaking states expressed shock and sorrow at the sudden departure of one of their most vibrant voices. Fellow writers recalled his unique ability to blend traditional folk elements with contemporary themes, creating works that resonated deeply with both rural and urban audiences.
Legacy of Words and Music
Beyond his revolutionary poetry, Ande Sri made significant contributions to Telugu cinema as a lyricist. He penned songs for approximately 25 films, bringing his distinctive poetic sensibility to the silver screen. His film songs were celebrated for their literary quality and emotional depth, distinguishing them from conventional cinema lyrics.
Among his most notable literary works stands "Gangavataranam," an epic poem that showcases his mastery over the Telugu language and his deep understanding of cultural motifs. This work, like much of his poetry, demonstrated his ability to weave complex philosophical ideas with accessible language that spoke directly to the common person.
His association with the Telangana movement remained the defining aspect of his career. During the peak of the statehood agitation, his poems and songs became rallying cries at public meetings and protest venues. They articulated the historical, cultural, and economic reasons behind the demand for a separate state, making complex political arguments accessible to the masses through powerful imagery and emotional appeal.
Ande Sri is survived by his wife, son, and daughter, who were present at the hospital during his final moments. His mortal remains were taken to his Nizampet residence, where cultural organizations, political parties, and countless admirers paid their final respects throughout the day.
The passing of Ande Sri marks the end of an era in Telangana's cultural history, but his words continue to live in the hearts of millions who found voice, inspiration, and identity through his literary creations.
