Legendary Telugu film lyricist Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry passed away on Tuesday, November 30, due to lung cancer-related complications. He was 66. He was being treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) at the Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospital in Secunderabad after being admitted with pneumonia earlier on November 24. Seetharama Sastry was put under close observation after being placed on ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) treatment to support his lungs, the hospital said in a statement, announcing his demise.

Born in Anakapalle, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, in 1955, Chembolu Seetharama Sastry, was given the pen name 'Sirivennela' after writing songs for the 1986 film Srivennela. He has penned lyrics for over 3,000 songs in his glorious career that spanned three and a half decades. Srivennela directed by K Viswanath had many memorable songs among which 'Vidhata Thalapuna' and 'Adibhikshuvu Vadinedi Koredhi' went on to become huge hits. Some other successful collaborations between Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry and K Viswanath include films like Swayamkrushi, Swarnakamalam, Swati Kiranam, Rudra Veena to name a notable few. He is also known for his songs in films like Shiva, Kshana Kshanam, Gulabi, Ninne Pelladata in the 90s and more recently in Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana, Gamyam, Kanche, and Sammohanam. Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry had also written 'Samajavaragamana' in Allu Arjun's Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo and the 'Dosti' song in the upcoming RRR directed by SS Rajamouli and starring Ram Charan and Jr. NTR in the lead roles.

Among the honors Seetharama Sastry has felicitated over the years, he was awarded the Padma Shri for his contributions in the field of arts and aesthetics, including 11 state Nandi Awards. The news of the iconic lyricist's death has come as a massive shock to many in the Telugu film industry and around the country, with celebrities and fans paying their tributes on social media.

Disheartened to hear that Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry garu is no more. Deepest condolences to his loved ones. May his soul rest in peace. 🙏

— Venkatesh Daggubati (@VenkyMama) November 30, 2021

నడిచి వచ్చే నక్షత్రంలా ఆయన స్వర్గద్వారాల వైపు సాగిపోయారు. మనకి ఆయన సాహిత్యాన్ని కానుకగా ఇచ్చి వెళ్లారు.
మిత్రమా ... will miss you FOREVER !#SiriVennela #SirivennelaSeetharamaSastry pic.twitter.com/HJKsBNvQ4J

— Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) November 30, 2021

Shocked and saddened to know about the passing of Sirivennela Seetarama Sastry Garu.
His precious words for RRR and Sye Raa are etched in my memory forever.
His contributions to literature and Telugu Cinema is unparalleled. My deepest condolences to his family. 🙏

— Ram Charan (@AlwaysRamCharan) November 30, 2021

సిరివెన్నెల సీతారామశాస్త్రి గారు ఇక లేరు అనే వార్త నన్ను తీవ్ర మనస్థాపానికి గురిచేసింది. అలుపెరుగక రాసిన ఆయన కలం నేడు ఆగినా, రాసిన అక్షరాలు తెలుగు భాష ఉన్నంత కాలం అందరికీ చిరస్మరణీయంగా నిలిచివుంటాయి.

ఆయన ఆత్మకు శాంతి చేకూరాలని ఆ దేవుడిని మనసారా ప్రార్థిస్తున్నాను. pic.twitter.com/O1fgNJEqau

— Jr NTR (@tarak9999) November 30, 2021

Shocked & saddened by the unfortunate passing away of veteran lyricist Padma Shri Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry garu. A big loss to Telugu Film Industry. Our thoughts & prayers with the family. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/NEXTyEI7LD

— Sri Venkateswara Creations (@SVC_official) November 30, 2021

I was blessed to be blessed by Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry garu. When I was learning Telugu before my first film, he taught me how to read poetry and I thank him for my love for the Telugu language. What a legendary mind. Deepest condolences. RIP Sastry garu ❤️ pic.twitter.com/o86PPMIc8q

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) November 30, 2021

THE LEGEND IS NO MORE 🥺

REST IN PEACE #Seetharamasastry gaaru #RipSirivennellaSeetharamasastry gaaru pic.twitter.com/kyW5gipXTb

— thaman S (@MusicThaman) November 30, 2021

Thank you #SirivennelaSeetharamaSastry Garu for your unparalleled contribution to our industry. You shall forever be remembered and missed. Honoured to have known you and worked with you. Rest in peace sir. 💔#RAPO pic.twitter.com/NbOHj8wc5F

— RAm POthineni (@ramsayz) November 30, 2021

Shocked and pained at the passing of the legendary lyricist Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry garu. An irrevocable loss indeed. He'll always be remembered through your contributions to Telugu cinema. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/REDpX8tmbp

— Suresh Productions (@SureshProdns) November 30, 2021