Renowned poet Ande Sri
Credit: X/@Bmaheshgoud6666
Hyderabad: Renowned poet and lyricist Ande Sri, who penned Telangana’s state song Jaya Jayahe Telangana, Janani Jaya Kethanam, passed away at his Hyderabad residence on Monday at the age of 64. His family members found him lying unconscious in the morning and rushed him to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Born as Ande Yellanna in Rebarthi village of Siddipet district in 1961, Ande Sri grew up as an orphan and had no formal education. He began his life as a shepherd and later worked as a construction labourer.
His iconic song Jaya Jayahe Telangana became a rallying anthem during the movement for separate statehood. Despite his humble beginnings, he built a formidable reputation in literature, penning thousands of poems and lyrics.
The Congress government in Telangana had recommended his name to the Centre for the Padma Bhushan last year.
His song Maayamaipothunnadamma Manishanavadu, written for the film Erra Samudram, won high critical acclaim and was included in the Telugu second-year degree syllabus by Andhra Pradesh University’s textbook committee in 2009. He received the Nandi Award for Best Lyricist in 2006 for the film Ganga.
In recognition of his immense contribution to Telangana’s cultural and literary landscape, Kakatiya University conferred an honorary doctorate on him. More recently, in June 2025, the Telangana government honoured him with a cash award of Rs 1 crore during the State Formation Day celebrations.
Telangana mourned the sudden demise of Ande Sri. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock, calling his death a huge loss to Telangana’s literary world. Recalling that Jaya Jayahe Telangana became the voice of millions during the movement for statehood, the Chief Minister said the song played a vital role in achieving Telangana’s long-cherished dream.
Reddy also remembered his close association with Ande Sri after assuming office, particularly during discussions on re-recording the Telangana anthem with new voices and ideas. Offering condolences, he described Ande Sri as a great writer whose contributions will be forever remembered by the people of Telangana.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to conduct the poet’s last rites that are scheduled to be held on Tuesday with full state honours.