He grew up in a middle-class Telugu family.He started publishing his poetry in 1957.In 1960, he finished his masters in Telugu Literature from Osmania University. He then studied traditional literary forms and criticism.He became a lecturer at a private college in Siddipet, Medak.He then switched many jobs, and at last, settled in Chanda Kanthaiah Memorial College, where he joined as a lecturer and later became its Principal.He wanted to propagate modern Telugu literature and hence formed a group by the name of Saahithee Mithrulu; meaning friends of literature. It was initially devoted to modern literature without any outspoken commitment towards any particular philosophical outlook. Varavara Rao giving speech.That period was later followed by polarisation. This paved the path of rebellion and Varavara was the moving force behind the group; becoming Thirugubatu Kavulu (rebel poets).Naxalism started growing and violence against the government started spreading. He showed his sympathy and solidarity to the fighting masses publicly.He has been behind bars a numerous number of times, but that hasnt deterred him from his ideologies. He was in and out of the jail during 1973-1975 on the accounts of disrupting internal security. He was also arrested during the 1975 Emergency.In 2000, he was one of the spokespersons in the first ever talks held between the Maoists and the Andhra Pradesh Government.