Renowned poet and writer Andesri, best known for penning the Telangana state anthem Jaya Jayahe Telangana, passed away on Monday.
He was 64.
According to family members, he suddenly collapsed at home and was rushed to Gandhi Hospital, where he breathed his last while undergoing treatment.
Born as Ande Ellanna in 1960 in Nalgonda district, Andesri emerged as one of the strongest literary voices during the Telangana statehood movement. His anthem became an emotional and cultural symbol during the struggle for statehood and later earned a permanent place in Telangana’s identity.
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Over the years, Andesri received several honours, including an honorary doctorate from Kakatiya University. He was awarded the Nandi Award in 2006 for his work in the film Ganga. In 2014, he was presented the Academy of Universal Global Peace Doctorate, followed by the Dasarathi Sahitya Puraskar and the Ravuri Bharadwaja Literary Award in 2015.
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Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock over his passing, describing it as an irreplaceable loss to Telugu literature and to the cultural fabric of Telangana.
He noted that Jaya Jayahe Telangana was not just a song but the collective voice and emotional force of the people during the statehood movement.
Revanth Reddy also recalled his personal association with Andesri, mentioning their discussions and collaborative moments while re-recording the anthem after the formation of the Praja government. “The peak of Telangana literature has fallen,” he said, offering heartfelt condolences to the poet’s family and admirers.
Final rites are expected to take place later, with several cultural, political and literary figures likely to pay their respects.
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