Devi Sri Prasad facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Devi Sri Prasad
Background information
Also known as	DSP Rockstar
Born	(1979-08-02) 2 August 1979 (age 45) Vedurupaka, Andhra Pradesh, India
Genres	Film score World music Filmi
Occupation(s)	Music composer singer lyricist performer television presenter record producer dance choreographer
Instruments	Vocals keyboard shehnai piano mandolin harmonium drums guitar violin
Years active	1997–present
Labels	Aditya Music Lahari Music Sony Music India T-Series Zee Music Company Panorama Music Ayngaran Music Junglee Music Think Music Magnasound Records
Associated acts	Sonu Nigam & Govinda

Devi Sri Prasad (born Gandham Sriprasad; 2 August 1979), often called DSP, is a famous Indian music composer, singer, and lyricist. He is best known for his work in Telugu cinema and also in Tamil cinema. DSP has won many awards, including a National Film Award and ten Filmfare Awards.

Over his 25-year career, Devi Sri Prasad has created music for more than 100 films. He started his music journey in 1997 with an album called Dance Party. DSP became a film composer at just 19 years old with the 1999 Telugu film Devi. His big break in Telugu cinema came in 2001 with the music for the film Anandam.

Early Life and Family

Devi Sri Prasad was born as Gandham Sriprasad in Vedurupaka, Andhra Pradesh. His family is Telugu. His father, G. Satyamurthy, was a well-known writer for Telugu films. He wrote popular movies like Devatha. DSP was named after his grandparents, Devi Meenakshi and Prasada Rao. His brother, Sagar, is also a singer.

Music Career Highlights

Film Music and Soundtracks

Starting Out: 1999–2001

DSP first worked on a music album called Dance Party with S. P. Charan. Then, at 19, he composed music for the 1999 Telugu film Devi. This was his first movie as a music composer.

His music for the film Anandam in 2001 was a huge success. He also wrote and sang the song "Premante Emitante" for this movie. Critics said the music was great. In the same year, he started working in Tamil cinema with the film Badri.

Becoming Famous: 2002–2005

In 2002, DSP released music for five films. The soundtracks for Kalusukovalani, Manmadhudu, and Sontham became very popular. His music helped these films become successful. For Manmadhudu, critics praised his excellent music and background score. He also composed music for the patriotic film Khadgam, which included the hit song "Nuvvu Nuvvu".

In 2004, the music for Varsham was a big hit. DSP introduced his brother Sagar to the music world with a song in this film. He won three awards for his work on Varsham. He continued his romantic music style with Arya (2004). The song "Aa Ante Amalapuram" from Arya became very famous across India.

In 2005, DSP had his busiest year with eleven album releases. His music for Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana made him one of India's top musicians. He even remixed an old song, "Prema Kosamai Volalo," for this film. He also found success in Tamil cinema with the film Sachein, where songs like "Vaadi Vaadi" became chartbusters.

Big Hits: 2006–2009

In 2006, DSP's music for the film Bommarillu was a huge success. Songs like "Appudo Ippudo" were very popular. He also showed his classical music talent with the song "Bharata Vedamuga" from Pournami.

In 2007, DSP composed music for four action-comedy films. He even appeared in the song "Good Morning Hyderabad" from Shankar Dada Zindabad. In 2008, he made his debut in Kannada cinema with Sangama. His music for Jalsa was a massive hit, and its audio rights sold for a record amount. DSP also composed the background music for the Tamil film Dasavathaaram, starring Kamal Haasan.

In 2009, DSP worked with director Sukumar again for Arya 2. Songs like "Ringa Ringa" became incredibly popular. This song was so famous that DSP reused its music in the 2011 Hindi film Ready. He also had a decent hit in Tamil with Kanthaswamy.

Continued Success: 2010–2014

2010 was a big year for DSP in Tamil cinema. His albums for Singam and Manmadan Ambu were very well received. Critics praised his new experiments and maturity in music. In 2011, he returned to romantic music with 100% Love and Mr. Perfect. By this time, Devi Sri Prasad had become one of the highest-paid musicians in Telugu cinema.

In 2012, he released music for four films, including the action films Gabbar Singh and Julayi. The song "O Madhu" from Julayi was the first Telugu song to be played on BBC Asian Network radio in the UK. The song "Kevvu Keka" from Gabbar Singh became a cult hit.

Between late 2013 and early 2014, DSP's music for Yevadu, 1: Nenokkadine, and Mirchi was very successful. The soundtrack release event for 1: Nenokkadine was shown live in 24 theaters, a first for an Indian soundtrack. His biggest hit of 2013 was Attarintiki Daredi (soundtrack). He remixed an old folk song, "Kaatama Rayudu," for this album, which was sung by Pawan Kalyan.

Rangasthalam and Beyond: 2015–2018

2015 was a mixed year for DSP. While some albums like Kumari 21F and Nenu Sailaja were musical hits, his music for Puli received mixed reviews. However, he was highly praised for his music in Srimanthudu and S/O Satyamurthy, two of the highest-grossing films that year.

In 2016, DSP worked with Sukumar again for Nannaku Prematho. This album was dedicated to DSP's late father. He also had a big hit with Janatha Garage. In 2017, Khaidi No. 150 and DJ: Duvvada Jagannadham were very successful. Songs like "Ammadu Let's Do Kummudu" and "Seeti Maar" became huge hits.

2018 was a major year for DSP with Rangasthalam. The album received widespread praise for its unique folk and traditional style. Songs like "Rangamma Mangamma" and "Jigelu Rani" became incredibly popular. Critics called DSP "the other hero" of Rangasthalam.

Recent Work: 2019–Present

In 2019, DSP had four releases that were decent hits, including Chitralahari and Maharshi. In 2020, his only release was Sarileru Neekevvaru, which had popular songs like "Mind Block" and "He's So Cute".

After a short period of mixed reviews, DSP found huge success again with the music for Uppena (2021). Songs like "Nee Kannu Neeli Samudram" were national hits. In the same year, Pushpa: The Rise was released. Its soundtrack, with songs like "Srivalli" and "Oo Antava Oo Oo Antava," was a massive commercial success. DSP received his first National Film Award for Pushpa: The Rise.

Since Pushpa: The Rise, some of DSP's recent film music has received average reviews, even if the films themselves were successful.

Singing and Songwriting

Devi Sri Prasad is also a talented singer. He has sung over 60 songs in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi, mostly for his own music compositions. He first lent his voice in 2000 for the song "Vechavechaga" from the film Vamsi.

Some of his popular songs include "Tellarindoi", "Mr. Perfect", "Nannaku Prematho", and "Ammadu Let's Do Kummudu". He dedicated the song "Nannaku Prematho" to his late father. He has also sung in Kannada and Hindi films. DSP has written over 25 songs in Telugu and Tamil.

Other Creative Work

Devi Sri Prasad has performed in many live concerts around the world, especially in the United States. His 2016 U.S. concert tour was very popular and was even shown on TV. In 2014, he created a special music tribute to the legendary singer Michael Jackson.

DSP made his television debut as a judge on the Tamil singing show Rockstar in 2021. He has also choreographed a music video for his song "Bang Bang Bangkok" from the film Kumari 21F in 2015.

Music Style and Influence

Devi Sri Prasad is known for creating popular dance numbers in Telugu films. These songs are often called "item numbers" and are very catchy. Some of his famous dance songs include "Jigelu Rani", "Aa Ante Amalapuram", and "Oo Antava Oo Oo Antava". Because of these hits, he is sometimes called the "king of item numbers". He has worked with director Sukumar nine times.

Besides dance songs, DSP's music style also includes romantic melodies, pop rock, hard rock, and folk music. He was one of the first music directors to list the names of background singers in his albums. DSP often says that Ilaiyaraaja's music and Michael Jackson's performance style are his biggest inspirations.

Discography

Film Appearances

Film

Music Videos

Television Appearances

Awards and Nominations