Veteran filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao has passed away at the age of 94, leaving the South Indian film industry mourning the loss of one of its most inventive storytellers. Known for pushing the boundaries of genre and experimenting with unconventional narratives, the filmmaker was remembered by SS Rajamouli, Jr NTR, Kamal Haasan and several others following his demise.
SS Rajamouli remembers Singeetham Srinivasa Rao
Remembering Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, SS Rajamouli described the veteran filmmaker as a visionary whose ideas often went far beyond the technology and resources available to filmmakers of his generation. He highlighted Singeetham’s willingness to experiment across genres and said his work had inspired an entire generation of filmmakers.“Long before we had the tools or the budgets, he dared to dream bigger than anyone around him. He made a film without a single line of dialogue, took us travelling through time, and moved from comedy to fantasy to deeply human drama as if no line existed between genres,” Rajamouli wrote.The ‘Varanasi’ director added that Singeetham had demonstrated how imagination could be the greatest resource in cinema.“He showed a whole generation of us that the only real limit in cinema is imagination. Every filmmaker who has tried something different in Telugu cinema owes him something, knowingly or not. I certainly do. My deepest condolences to Singeetham Srinivasa Rao garu’s family. Om Shanti,” he added.
Jr NTR pays tribute to the late filmmaker
Jr NTR also expressed his grief following Singeetham Srinivasa Rao’s death. Remembering some of the filmmaker’s most celebrated works, the actor highlighted how films such as ‘Aditya 369’, ‘Pushpaka Vimanam’ and ‘Mayuri’ have continued to resonate with audiences across generations.“The news that Singeetham Srinivasa Rao garu is no more is deeply heartbreaking. Aditya 369, Pushpaka Vimanam, Mayuri… a visionary who thought ahead of his time, delivering films that feel fresh even across generations. My deepest condolences to his family members. Om Shanti,” Jr NTR wrote.
Kamal Haasan shares an emotional tribute
Kamal Haasan, who shared a close professional association with Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, penned a deeply personal tribute to the filmmaker. Reflecting on his youthful approach to life and cinema, Kamal said he was among the friends and disciples who had accompanied Singeetham through his journey.“Singeetham sir, by his own choice, passed away in his youth, along with his youth. His youthful spirit did not spread to many. Among the friends and disciples who walked alongside him, holding his hand, I am one of them,” Kamal wrote.He further reflected on Singeetham’s outlook towards life and said that dying young need not necessarily be considered tragic.“Dying young need not be a tragedy. It can be glorious. Singeetham Srinivasa Rao is a great example. I have admired him since I knew him. Now I aspire to live like he did,” he added.
Singeetham Srinivasa Rao’s remarkable legacy in Indian cinema
Singeetham Srinivasa Rao passed away at Kauvery Hospital on October 3 following health complications, according to family sources. He was 94.Across a career spanning several decades, Singeetham worked in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi cinema. His filmography was marked by experimentation and an ability to move effortlessly between genres.His acclaimed works include the dialogue-free black comedy ‘Pushpaka Vimanam’, the time-travel fantasy ‘Aditya 369’ and the dance drama ‘Mayuri’. He also collaborated extensively with Kamal Haasan on films including ‘Apoorva Sagodhararga’l and ‘Michael Madana Kama Rajan’.His final directorial venture was ‘Sing Geetham’, an experimental musical fantasy comedy drama that he directed at the age of 94. The film, backed by Nag Ashwin, starred Ayaan Khan, Ahilya Bamroo and Shalini Kondepudi, with Vijay Deverakonda making a special appearance.
