Telangana State song writer Andesri passes away

Famous Telangana poet and lyricist Andesri, who wrote the state anthem “Jaya Jayahe Telangana”, passed away in the early hours of Sunday, November 9, 2025.

He fell ill at his home in Lalapet and was transferred to Gandhi hospital, where he died while receiving treatment.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Ministers expressed deep sorrow over his death and described it as an irreparable loss to the literary and cultural world of Telangana. He also announced that the poet would be given a state funeral.

Born on July 18, 1961, in Rebarthi village of Maddur mandal in present Jangaon district, Andesri’s real name was Ande Ellayya. Orphaned at a young age and with no formal education, he became one of Telangana’s most famous poets. His simple, sincere language and deep connection with the land enabled his works to resonate with large audiences. For his contributions, Kakatiya University awarded him an honorary doctorate.

Andesri played an important role in the Telangana movement with his writings and songs that inspired generations. His powerful composition “Jaya Jayahe Telangana Janani Jaya Ketanam” became the anthem of the fight for statehood and was adopted as the official State song by the Congress government after personal pressure from Mr. Revanth Reddy.

In recognition of his immense contribution, Andesri was honored with a cash award of ₹ 1 crore by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy during the Telangana Formation Day celebrations and the song was officially released with a melody composed by renowned musician Keeravani.

He wrote songs for many socially conscious and revolutionary films. His song “Mayamaipothunnadamma Manishannavadu” reflects his emotional connection with human emotions. Andesri was also a master of improvised poetry. Some of his famous songs include Jaya Jayahe Telangana Janani Jaya Ketanam, Palle Neeku Vandanamulammo and Mayamaipothunnadamma Manishannavadu.

Expressing deep shock and sadness over the sudden death, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said Andesri’s death is an irreparable loss to the world of Telugu literature and the cultural identity of Telangana.

Recalling Andesri’s tremendous contribution, Mr. Revanth Reddy said that the anthem “Jaya Jayahe Telangana” became the collective voice of millions during the Telangana statehood movement and symbolized the spirit of the people’s struggle.

The Prime Minister fondly remembered his personal relationship with the poet and stated that after the establishment of the people’s government, efforts were made to give a new musical composition to the State anthem in consultation with Andesri. He said Andesri’s efforts to awaken the spirit of Telangana and inspire the statehood movement will remain eternal.

BRS president and former CM K Chandrashekhar Rao, Speaker Gaddam Prasad Rao, former Minister T Harish Rao, Health Minister Damodar Rajnarsimha and many Ministers and public representatives condoled the death. They described Andesri’s death as a great loss to the Telangana society.