Hyderabad, November 10: Renowned Telangana poet and lyricist Andesri, best known for penning the state anthem “Jaya Jayahe Telangana Janani Jaya Ketanam”, died on Sunday at his residence in Hyderabad. He was 64.
The poet, whose real name was Ande Ellayya, collapsed at his home in Lalapet and was rushed to Gandhi Hospital, where he died while undergoing treatment, officials said.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed deep sorrow over the death and announced that Andesri would be accorded a state funeral, calling his passing an irreparable loss to Telugu literature and Telangana’s cultural identity.
Born in Rebarthi village, Jangaon district, in 1961, Andesri overcame a difficult childhood with no formal education to emerge as one of Telangana’s most celebrated poets. His simple, emotive writing style and deep connection to the state’s social fabric made his works resonate widely.
Andesri’s anthem “Jaya Jayahe Telangana” became the rallying cry of the Telangana statehood movement and was officially adopted as the State Song by the Congress government earlier this year. The song was released during the Telangana Formation Day celebrations, set to music by M.M. Keeravani, and Andesri was honoured with a ₹1 crore cash award by the Chief Minister.
His other notable works include “Palle Neeku Vandanamulammo” and “Mayamaipothunnadamma Manishannavadu”, known for their humane and socially conscious themes.
Former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao, Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Rao, former Minister T. Harish Rao, and Health Minister Damodar Rajnarsimha were among several leaders who condoled his death, describing it as a “huge loss to Telangana society.”
CM Revanth Reddy recalled his personal association with the poet, saying Andesri’s “songs awakened the spirit of Telangana and inspired an entire generation to fight for statehood.”
Andesri, often called the “people’s poet,” received an honorary doctorate from Kakatiya University and wrote extensively for socially driven and revolutionary films. His contribution, leaders said, would remain an enduring part of Telangana’s literary and cultural legacy.
