“Writing is My Life”: Lyricist Sreemani on His Passion, Growth, and Journey
Sreemani, who made his debut as a lyricist with 100% Love, has steadily carved out a unique identity in the Telugu film industry. Over the years, he has penned lyrics for several big-ticket films and star-driven projects, quickly rising to become one of the most sought-after lyricists of his generation.
As he celebrates his birthday on September 15 (Monday), Sreemani opened up to the media about his journey, creative process, and aspirations. Here are some highlights from his candid conversation:
On His Birthday Philosophy
When asked if this birthday held any special significance, Sreemani shared:
“There is nothing particularly special. However, I always aspire to climb another step in my literary journey and achieve something new. I like to begin new works on my birthday with the feeling that this day marks a new beginning for my life.”
On Recent Work and Recognition
Reflecting on his recent songs, he said:
“This year, I had the opportunity to write for scenes with strong literary depth. Songs like Bujjithalli and Hailessa in Tandel, Nijama Kala in Lucky Bhaskar, and several tracks from Aay brought me good recognition. Each of these songs carried deep emotions tied to the narrative. I feel proud to have written them and remain grateful to the music directors, directors, and producers who placed their trust in me.”
On Staying Relevant and Reinventing
Discussing how he keeps his craft aligned with changing times, Sreemani remarked:
“Every song comes with its own challenge. Over the past five years, sound design in both music and lyrics has evolved a lot. Audiences expect sound aesthetics that captivate them instantly. That’s why I strive to stay updated with trends without compromising on quality. My goal is for my lyrics to feel fresh even after ten years. Reinvention is key, and I work on it constantly.”
On Writing Love Songs
Sreemani, who has penned several memorable love tracks, explained how he keeps them fresh:
“Love is universal. Each song and every emotion has its own novelty. I always make sure the emotion is communicated clearly to the listener, using subtle yet powerful words—without losing meaning in sound.”
On Choosing Favorites
When asked to name his favorite song, Sreemani smiled and said:
“Every song I write is my favorite because I pour my affection into each one. A writer should always feel satisfied yet eager to create more. That hunger to write new literature keeps me moving forward.”
On the Pressure of Social Media Trends
With songs now expected to become instant chartbusters, Sreemani acknowledged the challenge:
“It feels like walking a tightrope. Earlier, songs took time to reach audiences. Now, social media creates instant reactions—people decide in seconds whether they like a song. While writing, we aim for both: instant appeal today, but also an emotion that stays timeless, even ten years later.”
On Writing for Situations and Stories
Talking about the kinds of songs he writes most, he shared:
“After the Aradugula Bullet song, I’ve been given many hero-introduction songs. I do love songs too. For example, with Idhe Kada… from Maharshi, I listened to the entire story before writing. But sometimes, I just go by the situation described to me.”
On Praise That Matters Most
For Sreemani, the greatest pride comes from recognition by people he admires:
“It’s hard to choose one song I’m most proud of. True satisfaction comes when someone I respect appreciates my work. Director Sukumar, who introduced me, once praised Vachindamma from Geetha Govindam and encouraged me. And when the legendary Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry garu appreciated my song in Maharshi, it was unforgettable. Moments like these make me feel I’ve created something truly meaningful.”
On Future Aspirations
Asked if he had any interest in direction, Sreemani was clear:
“I have no intention of directing films. My dream is to evolve as a complete writer. Earlier, I used to join friends in story discussions, and now I want to put that into practice by writing dialogues too. Writing is my life. It’s my wish to enhance the value of literature through my work.”
What’s Next
Currently, Sreemani is working on lyrics for some exciting upcoming projects, including Aakasaniki Oka Thaara starring Dulquer Salmaan, Sambaraala Yetigattu with Sai Durga Tej, and India House, among others.