At the grand finale of Naa Uchvasam Kavanam, acclaimed director Trivikram Srinivas paid heartfelt tribute to legendary lyricist Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry, reflecting on their decades-long collaboration and Sirivennela’s towering influence on Telugu cinema.
Lyrics That Outlast Films
Trivikram began by highlighting Sirivennela’s singular vision:
“He writes with immortality in mind. A song like ‘Eppudu Apkukovovera Otami’ from Pattudala remains evergreen—long after the movie has faded from memory.”
He recalled the painstaking discussions behind the chart‑topping ‘Chalore Chalore’ for Jalsa:
“We debated that one for over 20 days. The moment we reached consensus, he sat down and created the perfect lyrics in no time—yet from 34 pages of notes, only two were ever used.”
The Atheist Who Befriended God
Trivikram spoke with admiration—and a touch of awe—about Sirivennela’s complex spirituality:
“Although he called himself an atheist, many of his devotional verses read like an intimate dialogue with the divine. I once asked him, ‘If you doubt God’s existence, how do you explain suffering?’ He replied, ‘Don’t drag God into our human dramas.’ Through his songs, he showed us how to become friends with God.”
He singled out “Jagananatakam” from Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum as a personal favorite, praising its mythic depth.
An Unrivaled Work Ethic
Reflecting on Sirivennela’s prodigious output, Trivikram noted:
“He penned over 2,300 songs that remain unused—each crafted twice, in two distinct versions. I wrote six songs myself once, only to discover words from the first resurfacing in the sixth. Imagine doing that thousands of times.”
He expressed a desire to publish the lyricist’s unused manuscripts, calling them a treasure trove for future generations of songwriters.
A Peak Within Reach
Closing on an emotional note, Trivikram observed:
“In our films, music speaks louder than dialogue, and he was the summit we all aspired to. Yet, unlike distant mountains, Sirivennela’s peak was always within reach—guiding countless artists with his flawless craftsmanship.”
Honoring a Legend
The 52‑episode Naa Uchvasam Kavanam series—hosted by Parthu Nemani—celebrated Sirivennela’s enduring legacy with appearances by luminaries such as Nagarjuna, Prabhas, Mani Ratnam, S.S. Rajamouli, and many more. As the curtain fell, viewers were promised another season dedicated to preserving the lyricist’s poetic brilliance for generations to come.
