Veteran filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao dies at 94, celebs pay tribute

Legendary filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, known for directing some of Indian cinema’s most innovative films, died at a hospital in Chennai on Saturday night. He was 94. The director was known for films like Pushpaka Vimanam and the time-travel epic Aditya 369.Singeetham died at Kauvery Hospital, where he had been admitted after his health deteriorated. He was undergoing treatment for age-related ailments.With a career spanning six decades and five languages, Singeetham carved a unique place for himself in Indian cinema by experimenting with unconventional ideas, storytelling techniques and genres.The family confirmed the news to the media. Singeetham’s grandson, Ashwin, said that the filmmaker’s cremation will take place today at 4:30 pm at the AVM Crematorium in Chennai. Born on September 21, 1931, in Gudur, Andhra Pradesh, Singeetham began his career as an assistant to filmmaker L.V. Prasad. He made his directorial debut with Neeti Nijayiti in 1972 and went on to build a filmography that spanned several genres and languages.His passion for filmmaking continued well into his nineties. His final film, Sing Geetham, a musical fantasy produced by Nag Ashwin, was completed earlier this year, making him one of the oldest active filmmakers in the world. Tributes began pouring in from actors, filmmakers and industry veterans following the news of his death. Actor Jr NTR remembered Singeetham as “a visionary who thought ahead of his time, delivering films that feel fresh even across generations.”Churanjeevi Konidela wrote, “Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary filmmaker ‘Singeetam Srinivasa Rao’ garu. A true visionary, his imagination and courage to explore new ideas gave Indian cinema some of its most unforgettable films. His contribution to cinema will always be remembered with immense respect and affection. His recent film ‘Sing Geetham’ was a beautiful testament to his undying passion for storytelling. At heart, he remained forever young, curious and eager to create. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. We will miss you, Singeetam garu. Your films will continue to speak to generations (sic).”Actor Sudheer Babu also mourned the death on X and wrote, “Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Singeetam Srinivasa Rao garu. A master storyteller who gave Indian cinema classics like Pushpaka Vimanam, Aditya 369 and Bhairava Dweepam, he fearlessly blended innovation with heart across languages. His legacy will inspire filmmakers for generations. May his soul rest in peace..Om Shanti (sic).”Actor Kiran Abbavaram wrote, “We Miss You Sir. Rest in Peace Singeetham Srinivasa Rao garu. Om Shanti (sic).”Venkatesh Daggubati also paid his tribute on X. He wrote, “Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Singeetam Srinivasa Rao garu. Few filmmakers have embraced cinema with the kind of curiosity, originality and playfulness that defined his work. He was a rare filmmaker who never stopped believing in the magic and possibilities of cinema. It is truly the end of an extraordinary chapter in Telugu cinema. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. Rest in peace, Singeetam garu. You will always be remembered through the films you gave us (sic).”Composer Devi Sri Prasad also paid an emotional tribute to the filmmaker on X. “Dearest SINGEETAM SIR..We will MISS YOU Sir.. You will always live in our Hearts. You are an Unparalleled LEGEND..An Everest of Positivity filled with Evergreen Youth..The Movies You made with such Fururistic Ideas and Techniques are lessons to all of us and the Future Generations of Film Makers too. Thankyou & Love You for Everything Sir..Iam blessed to have known You & worked with You Sir,” he wrote.Among Singeetham’s most celebrated works was Mayuri, a biographical drama based on the life of amputee classical dancer Sudha Chandran, which earned several awards. His 1987 film Pushpaka Vimanam, starring Kamal Haasan, stood out for telling a black-comedy story without spoken dialogue. The film won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.With Aditya 369, starring Nandamuri Balakrishna and featuring music by Ilaiyaraaja, Singeetham ventured into science fiction, making it the first Telugu film to depict time travel. He later directed Bhairava Dweepam, another Balakrishna-starrer, which blended fantasy and adventure and completed a 100-day run in 28 centres.- Ends