Celebrated Telugu lyricist Sreemani, who made his debut with the youthful blockbuster 100% Love, has steadily built a unique identity in the film industry with his soulful and versatile songwriting. Over the years, he has penned lyrics for several star-hero projects and emerged as one of the most sought‑after lyricists in Tollywood.
As Sreemani celebrates his birthday on September 15, he reflected on his journey, creative process, and future aspirations in an interaction with the media.
Starting Fresh Each Year
Speaking about his birthday, Sreemani shared: “There isn’t anything particularly special about birthdays, but for me, each year is like starting fresh on my literary path. I wish to begin new works on this day itself, as though life is restarting with creativity at its core.”
Recent Career Highlights
The lyricist expressed pride in some of his recent works: “Bujjithalli”, “Hailessa” (Tandel), “Nijama Kala” (Lucky Bhaskar), and tracks from Aay. These songs, he said, were deeply tied to the emotional core of the stories and earned him strong appreciation. He credited music directors, filmmakers, and producers for trusting his abilities and giving him meaningful opportunities.
Embracing Change in Literature
On staying relevant, Sreemani noted: “Every song is a fresh challenge. In the last five years, both lyrics and sound design have evolved drastically. Today, audiences expect sound aesthetics to be instantly captivating. I strive to keep my lyrics fresh and timeless, so even ten years later they still feel new.”
Writing Love Songs with Freshness
Addressing how he keeps love songs innovative, he explained: “Love is a universal theme. Each song has its own novelty. I ensure the emotion is felt by everyone, expressed with subtlety without losing its meaning.”
Personal Connection to His Work
When asked if he has a favorite, Sreemani responded: “Every song is written with affection. Each one is my favorite. A lyricist should always feel fulfilled with his work and look forward to creating more.”
On Instant Social Media Hits
Discussing the new challenge of songs going viral, he remarked: “Earlier, songs took time to reach the people. Now, social media makes or breaks a song instantly. While this brings pressure, I still write keeping longevity in mind. The song should carry the same emotion even years later.”
Hero Introduction Songs and Story-Based Writing
After the success of “Aradugula Bullet”, Sreemani revealed he often gets offers to write powerful hero introduction songs, though he also enjoys crafting melodic love tracks. For example, in “Idhe Kada…” from Maharshi, he wrote after hearing the entire story, whereas some songs are shaped only through situational briefings.
Recognition and Proud Moments
For Sreemani, pride comes from acknowledgment by icons. “Director Sukumar, who gave me my first break, appreciated my song Vachindamma from Geetha Govindam. Later, when Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry garu praised my lyrics in Maharshi, it was unforgettable. Such recognition makes me feel I’ve written something meaningful.”
Exploring Beyond Lyrics
On whether he would direct films, he clarified: “Direction isn’t on my mind. My desire is to grow as a complete writer. I have participated in story discussions earlier, and now I wish to extend that into dialogue writing. For me, writing is life, and I want to enhance the richness of literature further.”
Upcoming Projects
Currently, Sreemani is working on exciting upcoming films, including:
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Aakasaniki Oka Thaara (starring Dulquer Salmaan)
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Sambaraala Yetigattu (with Sai Durga Tej)
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India House and several more across big banners
