Popular Telugu writer G. Satyamurthy, father of southern composer Dev Sri Prasad, breathed his last here on Monday after a heart attack, a family source said. He was 61.

"He suffered a heart attack and passed away this morning at his residence," the source told IANS on Monday.

Having started his career as a lyricist, Satyamurthy turned screenwriter with 1982 Telugu film "Devatha".

Some of his other popular films include "Khaidi No. 786", "Abhilasha", "Police Lockup" and "Challenge".

He is survived by his wife and two sons.

The last rites will be performed later on Monday.

(Source: IANS)