Tollywood lyricist Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry passes away at 66

Tollywood lyricist Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry breathed his last on Tuesday in Secunderabad. He was undergoing treatment for lung issues. 

The KIMS hospital, where he was admitted and undergoing treatment for pneumonia, has issued a statement saying he passed away due to lung cancer-related complications. Dr Sambit Sahu, medical director of the hospital has said that the artist was admitted to the hospital on November 24 and was in the intensive care unit, on ECMO to support his lungs. 

The news of his sudden demise has left the industry in shock. Many actors and fans took to social media to express condolences. Actor Prakash Raj called the loss 'unbearable'. He tweeted the news and wrote: "జగమంత కుటుంబం మీది మీరు లేక ఏకాకి జీవితం మాది…🙏. Unbearable loss thank you for the poetic perceptions which added meaning in to our lives .. YOU WERE THE BEST GURUJI #SirivennelaSitaramasastry garu #RIP.”

Check the tweet here:

Fans have also been tweeting, expressing their shock and sadness. They say they will miss the guru. Check out some tweets here:

Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry made his debut in the industry as a lyricist for the 1984 movie Janmabhoomi. He gained immense popularity after his song “Vidhatha Thalapuna” in the film Sirivennela, directed by K Viswanath directorial. The artist has penned over 3,000 songs in films like Swayamkrushi, Swarna Kamalam, Shrutilayalu, Gaayam, Swati Kiranam, Kshana Kshanam, Sindhooram, Nuvve Kavali, Okkadu, Varsham and Gamyam. He was also honoured with the Padma Shri in 2019 for his contribution to the field of arts. He had last worked on RRR, Most Eligible Bachelor and Narappa.