Vice President Venkaiah Naidu launches a book compilation of lyricist Sirivennela’s works on his birth anniversary

The Telugu film fraternity came together in huge numbers for the event commemorating Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry’s 67th birth anniversary

Venkaiah Naidu launching the book

Commemorating the birth anniversary of legendary writer, lyricist Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry, his family and the TANA group came together to launch a compilation of his literary works at a grand event held in Hyderabad. The first instalment of the six-book series was unveiled in the presence of Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, director Trivikram, literary scholar Garikapati Narasimha Rao.

Other celebrities who graced the event include Mandali Buddha Prasad, lyricists Suddala Ashok Teja, Ramajogaiah Sastry, Jonnavithula, composers Thaman, R P Patnaik and director Krish Jagarlamudi. A series of cultural events, including music and dance performances were held during the evening where the attendees spoke at length about Sirivennela’s legacy and their association with him.

Venkaiah Naidu, who shared a close rapport with Sirivennela during his younger days, was reminded of the times he had spent with him in Anakapalli and said that he was always proud of what the lyricist achieved in the industry. He lavished praise on the late writer for inspiring many through his constructive messages in his songs and not letting his quality suffer for the lure of money.

Trivikram stated he felt blessed to have had the opportunity of spending many priceless moments with the writer during his illustrious career. He remembered the many midnight conversations they had about songs, novel wordplay and said that he always looked forward to Sirivennela singing his numbers as he wrote them. The filmmaker shared that standing tall amidst legendary lyricists like Pingali Nagendra, Malladi Ramakrishna Sastry, Samudrala Raghavacharya, Veturi Sundararamamurthy was no mean feat.

The organisers had announced that an annual award in memory of Sirivennela will henceforth celebrate and honour promising writers. Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry, who began his career with K Viswanath’s Sirivennela had signed off in style by penning a song named after him (Sirivennela) in Shyam Singha Roy. He passed away at 66 in Hyderabad last year.

Share