Ande Sri was a poet and lyricist from Telangana who became famous for writing songs and poems that spoke about the struggles and dreams of ordinary people. He was born on 18 July 1961 in Rebarthi village, Siddipet district, Telangana. Coming from a poor family and growing up as a shepherd, he had no formal education, yet he developed a natural gift for poetry. His verses were simple but powerful, often inspired by rural life and the hopes of farmers and workers.
In the mid-1990s, he moved to Hyderabad and worked as a construction laborer while continuing to write. His breakthrough came in 2008 when he wrote the song “Maayamai Pothundamma Manishanavadu” for the film Erra Samudram. Later, his works gained recognition in universities and literary circles.
Early Life and Background
Ande was born on 18 July 1961 in Rebarthi, a small village in Siddipet district, Telangana. His father was Boddayya and his mother was Yellavva. The family lived a simple life, depending on farming and cattle. As a child, Ande spent most of his time herding sheep. This rural lifestyle shaped his imagination. While walking with the sheep, he began to play with words, creating rhymes and short verses.
His childhood was marked by poverty. There were no books, no teachers, and no classrooms. But there was nature, and there was rhythm in everyday life. The sounds of cattle bells, the songs of farmers, and the stories told by elders became his first lessons. These experiences gave him a unique style of poetry that was rooted in folk traditions.
Education and Struggles
One of the most striking facts about Ande Sri is that he was illiterate. He never went to school. Yet, he became one of the most celebrated poets in Telangana. How did this happen? The answer lies in his ability to listen, observe, and create. He memorized words and rhythms, and slowly built his own style.
His illiteracy did not stop him from dreaming. Instead, it gave him a different perspective. He relied on oral traditions, and his poems carried the simplicity of spoken language. This made his work easy to understand and relatable to common people.
In the mid-1990s, he moved to Hyderabad in search of work. He worked as a construction laborer, carrying bricks and cement. Even during those hard days, he continued to write poems. His writings reflected the pain of workers and the struggles of the poor.
Ande Sri Wiki | BIO
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ande Sri |
| Profession(s) | Poet, Lyricist |
| Date of Birth | 18 July 1961 (Tuesday) |
| Place of Birth | Rebarthi, Siddipet District, Telangana, India |
| Date of Death | 10 November 2025 |
| Place of Death | Hyderabad, Telangana, India |
| Age at Death | 64 Years |
| Cause of Death | Heart Attack |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Hometown | Siddipet, Telangana |
| Educational Qualification | Illiterate |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Children | 1 Son, 3 Daughters |
| Father’s Name | Boddayya |
| Mother’s Name | Yellavva |
| Debut Song | “Maayamai Pothundamma Manishanavadu” (2008, Film: Erra Samudram) |
| Notable Works | “Janani Jaya Kethanam”, “Palle Neeku Vandanamulammo”, “Gala Gala Gajjalabandi”, “Komma Chekkite Bommara” |
| State Anthem | “Jaya Jaya Hey Telangana, Janani Jaya Kethanam” (Adopted in February 2024) |
| Total Poems Written | Over 3,000 |
| Major Awards | Nandi Award (2006), Honorary Doctorate (2014), Dasarathi Sahitya Puraskar (2015), Lok Nayak Award (2024), Rs. 1 Crore Telangana Govt. Award (2025) |
| Wikipedia | @Ande_Sri |
Family Life
Ande was married and had a family that stood by him throughout his journey. He had one son and three daughters. His wife played a supportive role, managing the household while he pursued his passion for poetry.
Family was important to him. Despite his busy life as a poet and activist, he remained connected to his roots. His children grew up seeing their father’s dedication to literature and activism.
Journey to Hyderabad
In the mid-1990s, Ande left his village and moved to Hyderabad. Like many rural migrants, he came with hope but faced hardship. He worked as a construction laborer, carrying bricks and mixing cement. These were tough years, but they gave him a closer look at the struggles of workers in the city.
Life in Hyderabad was not easy. He lived in small rented rooms, often with little money. Yet, even in those conditions, he kept writing. His poems reflected the pain of workers, the loneliness of migrants, and the dreams of ordinary people.
Entry into Literature and Poetry
Ande Sri’s earliest poems were inspired by his life as a shepherd. They carried the rhythm of folk songs and the imagery of rural life. His verses spoke about farmers, poverty, and the pride of Telangana.
His poetry was not just about beauty; it was about struggle. He wrote about the pain of the poor, the dignity of labor, and the dreams of a better future. These themes made his work relatable to ordinary people.
Unlike academic poets, his style was raw and simple. He used everyday language, which made his poems easy to understand. This gave him a unique place in Telugu literature.
Debut in Cinema
In 2008, Ande wrote his first song for cinema: Maayamai Pothundamma Manishanavadu in the film Erra Samudram. This was a turning point in his career.
The song was well received. It carried his signature style—simple words with deep meaning. It showed that even without formal education, he could write lyrics that touched audiences. This debut opened doors for him in the film industry. It also gave him recognition beyond literary circles.
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Academic Recognition
In 2009, Andhra Pradesh University included his song Maayamai Pothundamma Manishanavadu in the Telugu second-year graduation syllabus. This was historic because only three songs had been included in 77 years of Telugu cinema.
Later, Kakatiya University awarded him an honorary doctorate for his work as a lyricist. This recognition was special because he had never been to school. These honors showed that talent and dedication can overcome barriers of education and poverty.
Popular Poems and Songs
Some of his most popular poems include: Janani Jaya Kethanam, Palle Neeku Vandanamulammo, Gala Gala Gajjalabandi, and Komma Chekkite Bommara.
These works often spoke about rural life, pride in Telangana, and the struggles of common people. They became popular because they reflected real emotions.
His poems were sung at gatherings, rallies, and festivals. They became part of the cultural identity of Telangana.
Role in Telangana Movement
During the Telangana movement, Ande Sri’s songs became powerful tools. Activists sang them at rallies, and they gave strength to the demand for a separate state.
His words captured the hopes of millions. They spoke about identity, pride, and justice. This made him a cultural leader in the movement. His poetry played a key role in shaping public sentiment. It showed how art can inspire political change.
Telangana State Anthem
One of Sri’s greatest achievements was writing the official Telangana state anthem, “Jaya Jaya Hey Telangana, Janani Jaya Kethanam.” This anthem was not just a song; it was a symbol of pride and identity for the people of Telangana.
In February 2024, the Telangana government officially adopted the anthem. It was performed at state functions and became a cultural marker of Telangana’s spirit.
The anthem carried the emotions of millions. It reminded people of their struggles during the movement and celebrated their victory in achieving statehood.
Awards and Honors
- 2006: Nandi Award for Best Lyricist for the film Ganga
- 2014: Honorary doctorate from the Academy of Universal Global Peace, Washington DC
- 2015: Dasarathi Sahitya Puraskar and Dr. Ravuri Bharadwaja Literary Award
- 2022: Suddala Hanuman-Janakamma National Award
- 2024: Dasarathi Krishnamacharya Literary Award and Lok Nayak Award
- 2025: Telangana government cash award of Rs. 1 crore for his role in the Telangana movement
Later Years and Death
Even in his later years, Ande continued to write and inspire. He remained active in literary and cultural circles. He became a symbol of Telangana’s identity. His works were performed at state functions and cultural events. He often spoke at gatherings, sharing his experiences and encouraging young writers.
On 10 November 2025, Ande passed away in Hyderabad due to a heart attack. He was 64 years old. His death was mourned across Telangana. Leaders, activists, and ordinary people paid tribute to him. Ande Sri left behind a legacy of poetry, songs, and activism. He will be remembered as Telangana’s “People’s Poet.” His works continue to inspire and will remain part of the state’s cultural heritage.
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