Renowned poet, writer, and lyricist Ande Sri, a prominent voice behind the Telangana movement, passed away in the early hours of Monday. He is survived by four children.

Reports say the 64-year-old had been battling a serious illness in the days leading to his demise, and was rushed to the Gandhi hospital on Monday after he collapsed at his residence in Lalapet.

Known as one of the state’s most celebrated poets, Ande Sri (originally Ande Ellayya) was born on July 18, 1961 in the Rebarthi village of Telangana’s Jangaon district, was orphaned at a young age, and lacked formal education.

Yet he resolved to teach himself, and in time, the simple, heartfelt language he used in his writings, as well as his deep connection with the land he formed as a shepherd, made his poetry connect with people en masse.

He became popular after writing the song, ‘Maayamai Pothundamma Manishanavadu’, featured in the 2008 film, ‘Erra Samudram’, and went on to write hundreds more, especially for socially conscious and revolutionary films.

This also made him an important part of the Telangana movement, with his powerful composition, ‘Jaya Jayahe Telangana Janani Jaya Ketanam’, going on to become the anthem of the statehood struggle, and later on, the official State Song.

In recognition of his immense contributions to the state and services to the arts, Ande Sri was honoured with a cash award of Rs 1 crore by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy during the Telangana Formation Day celebrations, where the song, composed by musician M.M. Keeravani, was officially released. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate from the Kakatiya University.

He is also the recipient of a long list of awards, including the Nandi Award in 2006 for a film named ‘Ganga’ and the Lok Nayak Award in 2025.

“Ande Sri was a great warrior who transformed his words into the fuel of the Telangana movement and ignited eternal awareness in the people,” Telangana CM Revanth Reddy wrote in an X post condoling his death.

“Even though Ande Sri is no longer physically among us, the song ”Jaya Jayahe Telangana Janani Jaya Ketanam’, the official anthem of the Telangana state, will forever remain etched in the hearts of the people as his enduring legacy,” he added.