“I come from Korutla Town, now part of Jagityal district. My father was a government teacher, a Telugu scholar, author, and lyricist. Literature was his passion, and I grew up surrounded by it. I often accompanied him to writers’ conferences and award ceremonies, where I met many prominent literary figures. That’s when I developed a love for literature and music.
While literature always had my heart, cinema and its songs also captured my imagination. It wasn’t just the visuals; I loved the lyrics and how music and poetry came together. I dreamt of writing songs that would outlive the films they were part of.
My academic journey began with Oriental Studies in Dharmapuri, focusing on English, Telugu, and Sanskrit. Later, I did my Master’s in Telugu at Osmania University, where I ranked first in the state and received a gold medal. This led to my PhD, where I focused on the cinema songs of Dasarathi Krishnamacharya, a literary idol. My research into Telugu film lyrics and writing articles about various lyricists changed the course of my career.
In 2022, director Thallada Sai Krishna Garu reached out to me after reading my writings. This is when my career as a lyricist began. I wrote two songs for Okkade No.1, marking my entry into film music. I chose not to take any payment for these initial projects because I wanted to prove myself. Later, I wrote six songs for Kaliyuga Bhagawan, which was my first paid project. Since then, I’ve written over 70 songs for films, short films, and web series.
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But if you think a lyricist has creative freedom that’s not completely true. We do receive instructions from the director, story writer, and music director. They provide the inputs, the meter, the tone. Words are chosen and replaced based on their vision. Lyrics are revised multiple times, sometimes even at the recording stage. It’s a collaborative process, but also a challenging one.The Telugu film industry has historically overlooked lyricists. Though things are improving nowadays, there’s still a long way to go.
Alongside my lyricist career, I have kept up my academic path. I’m currently an Assistant Professor of Telugu at Nizam College, Osmania University, teaching undergraduates and postgraduates. I’ve also worked at IIIT Basara. Additionally, I’ve written five books, with two more set to release this year. My first book, Akshara Shikaram, came out in 2019. It was followed by Chaitanya Lahari, Vishwa Veena Rubayulu, Sini Geetha Varanam (a compilation of articles), and Gyana Peeta Trayam, a book about Telugu writers. My poetry explores themes of patriotism, romance, and human values, each verse carrying a message, a lesson.
Out of the 70 songs I have written so far, 55 belong to films, while the rest are independent compositions for short films and web series. I have also stepped into translation, working on grammatical texts. I love to write while traveling. My greatest inspiration has been Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry Garu. His songs shaped my childhood, and his words continue to guide me. Among foreign poets,I admire John Keats and B.E. Shelley, especially their use of symbolism and nature.
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Throughout my journey, my father has been my first critic and biggest guide. Every song, poem, or article I write, he’s the first to read, shaping my work with his wisdom. My family, especially my parents, have always supported me, never questioning my decision to pursue literature and music.
In 2015, I received my first major recognition with the State Level Best Poetry Award. In 2019, I earned multiple accolades, including the Bhilayavani Best Poetry Award and the B.S. Ramulu Inspiration Award. In 2023, I received the All India Bhasha Sahitya Sammelan Award, and in 2025, I was given the Special Jury Award for Best Lyricist and the Gidugu Puraskaram.
If I could offer advice to aspiring lyricists or writers, it would be to master your craft, stay dedicated, and be patient. Success comes with time and hard work. This is my journey, and it’s only the beginning.”
- Dr. Sharath Chandra Thirunagari, Author, Lyricist and Assistant Professor