Devi Sri Prasad, often credited simply as DSP, is an Indian film composer, singer, and lyricist who works predominantly in Telugu cinema and has also scored films in Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam. Known for his energetic dance numbers, melodic compositions, and frequent collaborations with leading South Indian directors and stars, he rose to widespread international recognition as the composer of the soundtrack for the Telugu film Pushpa: The Rise (2021), particularly the song "Srivalli" and "Oo Antava Oo Oo Antava".
| Full name | Gandham Devi Sri Prasad |
|---|---|
| Born | 9 August 1979 |
| Birthplace | Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Music composer, playback singer, lyricist |
| Years active | 1999–present |
| Father | Satyamurthy (Telugu lyricist and writer) |
| Languages worked in | Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam |
| Notable awards | National Film Award for Best Music Direction (2022) |
Devi Sri Prasad was born into a family with strong ties to Telugu cinema. His father, Satyamurthy, was a screenwriter and lyricist, and his sister Sri Lekha Parthasarathy is a playback singer. He developed an early interest in music, learning Indian classical and Western musical traditions during his school years in Chennai. He began performing on stage and recording jingles in his teens before moving into film composition.
DSP made his debut as a film composer with the Telugu film Devi Putrudu (2001), directed by Kodi Ramakrishna. The success of Anandam (2001), directed by Sreenu Vaitla, established him as a young composer with a fresh sound, and he quickly became associated with youth-oriented films of the early 2000s.
Through the 2000s, Devi Sri Prasad scored music for a string of commercially successful Telugu films, including Manmadhudu (2002), Arya (2004) directed by Sukumar, Bunny (2005), Bommarillu (2006), Athadu (2005), Pokiri (2006), and Kotha Bangaru Lokam (2008). His soundtracks for Arya and Bommarillu, in particular, became cultural touchstones in Telugu youth music of the period.
DSP forayed into Tamil cinema with Sachien (2005) and went on to compose for several Vijay-starring films, including Kuruvi (2008), Villu (2009), Nanban (2012) — the Tamil remake of 3 Idiots — and Theri (2016). He also composed for the Hindi film Wanted (2009), starring Salman Khan, and for several remakes and original films across South Indian languages.
In the 2010s and 2020s, DSP continued to be among the busiest composers in Telugu cinema, working on films such as Mirchi (2013), Attarintiki Daredi (2013), S/O Satyamurthy (2015), Janatha Garage (2016), Khaidi No. 150 (2017), Rabhasa, and Sarrainodu (2016). His soundtrack for Pushpa: The Rise (2021), directed by Sukumar and starring Allu Arjun, achieved pan-India and international popularity, with songs such as "Srivalli", "Saami Saami", and "Oo Antava Oo Oo Antava" charting on global streaming platforms. He returned to score Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024).
Apart from composition, DSP is an active playback singer, often performing his own compositions, and has occasionally written lyrics for his songs. He is known for his on-stage performances and has toured internationally with audio-launch concerts and live shows.
Devi Sri Prasad is recognised for blending folk and traditional South Indian rhythms with contemporary electronic and pop arrangements. He is often credited with shaping the modern mass-film sound in Telugu cinema, particularly the high-energy "item" and introduction songs that became staples of commercial cinema in the 2000s and 2010s. His ability to write hooks suited to dance choreography has made him a recurring choice for star-driven productions.
DSP is the brother of music director and singer Sagar (Sri Sagar) and singer Sri Lekha Parthasarathy. He is based primarily in Chennai and Hyderabad, the centres of his work in Tamil and Telugu cinema.