Poet and Singer from Telangana, Andesri. File.
| Photo Credit: K. Ramesh Babu
Renowned Telangana poet and lyricist Andesri, who penned the State anthem “Jaya Jayahe Telangana”, passed away early on Sunday (November 9, 2025).
He collapsed at his residence in Lalapet and was shifted to the Gandhi hospital, where he died while undergoing treatment.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Ministers expressed deep grief over his demise, describing it as an irreparable loss to the literary and cultural world of Telangana. He also announced that the poet will be accorded a state funeral.
Born on July 18, 1961, in Rebarthi village of Maddur mandal in the present Jangaon district, Andesri’s original name was Ande Ellayya. Orphaned at a young age and having had no formal education, he rose to become one of Telangana’s most celebrated poets. His simple, heartfelt language and deep connection with the land made his works resonate with the masses. In recognition of his contributions, Kakatiya University conferred upon him an honorary doctorate.
Andesri played a significant role in the Telangana movement through his writings and songs, which inspired generations. His powerful composition “Jaya Jayahe Telangana Janani Jaya Ketanam” became the anthem of the statehood struggle and was adopted as the official State song by the Congress government, with Mr Revanth Reddy personally pressing for it.
In recognition of his immense contribution, Andesri was honoured with a cash award of ₹1 crore by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy during the Telangana Formation Day celebrations, where the song was officially released with a tune composed by the well-known musician Keeravani.
He penned songs for several socially conscious and revolutionary films. His song “Mayamaipothunnadamma Manishannavadu” reflects his emotional connection with humane feelings. Andesri was also adept at extempore poetry. Some of his famous songs include Jaya Jayahe Telangana Janani Jaya Ketanam, Palle Neeku Vandanamulammo and Mayamaipothunnadamma Manishannavadu.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock and sorrow over the sudden demise and said the death of Andesri was an irreparable loss to the world of Telugu literature and to Telangana’s cultural identity.
Recalling Andesri’s immense contribution, Mr. Revanth Reddy said that the anthem “Jaya Jayahe Telangana” became the collective voice of millions during the Telangana statehood movement and symbolised the spirit of the people’s struggle.
The Chief Minister fondly remembered his personal association with the poet, stating that after the formation of the people’s government, efforts were made to give the State anthem a new musical composition in consultation with Andesri. He said Andesri’s efforts in awakening the spirit of Telangana and inspiring the movement for statehood would remain eternal.
BRS chief and former CM K Chandrashekhar Rao, Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Rao, former Minister T Harish Rao, Health Minister Damodar Rajnarsimha and a host of Ministers and public representatives condoled the death. They described Andesri’s death as a huge loss to Telangana society.
Published – November 10, 2025 09:12 am IST
