Veteran filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, celebrated for his inventive storytelling and work across multiple Indian languages, passed away at the age of 94 following age-related health issues. He breathed his last at Kauvery Hospital in Chennai on Saturday. Following his demise, actors Rishab Shetty, Nani, Venkatesh Daggubati and Ravi Teja took to social media to remember the filmmaker and pay tribute to his extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema.
Venkatesh, Nani and Ravi Teja pay tribute to Singeetham Srinivasa Rao
Venkatesh Daggubati expressed heartbreak over Singeetham Srinivasa Rao’s passing and remembered him for his originality, curiosity and playful approach to filmmaking. The actor said the veteran director never stopped exploring the possibilities of cinema.“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,” Venkatesh wrote on X.
Nani remembers Singeetham’s ‘infectious enthusiasm’
Nani described Singeetham as one of the “greatest of greatest” and recalled the filmmaker’s childlike enthusiasm for cinema even in his later years. The actor said that whenever they spoke, Singeetham would quickly turn the conversation towards new ideas and films he wanted to make.“The greatest of greatest left. A child who lived an extraordinary life and blessed us with his genius. Everytime he called or messaged he always jumped straight to the idea he had and to the film he wanted to make. That infectious enthusiasm and curiosity. Even at 95. Honoured to have been around in your era. Honoured to have made some memories which I will always cherish. Sir, Thank you for everything,” Nani wrote on X.
Ravi Teja remembers Singeetham’s youthful spirit
Ravi Teja also mourned the filmmaker’s death and highlighted his enduring passion for cinema. Despite his age, the director continued to approach filmmaking with the enthusiasm of someone discovering the medium anew.“94 years old, but a heart forever young for cinema. Singeetham garu, your passion remains your greatest legacy. Rest in peace,” Ravi Teja wrote.
Rishab Shetty took to his X handle and wrote, “The passing of one of my favourite directors, #SingeethamSrinivasaRao Sir, is a great loss to Indian cinema. His imagination, simplicity and fearless way of telling stories have always inspired me as a filmmaker. Thank you for the wonderful cinema and the magic you gave us, Sir. Rest in peace #SingeethamSrinivasaRao Sir.”
Singeetham Srinivasa Rao’s contribution to Indian cinema
Singeetham Srinivasa Rao was known for experimenting with genres and storytelling formats across a career that spanned several decades. He worked predominantly in Telugu cinema while also making films in Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi. His filmography includes acclaimed titles such as ‘Pushpaka Vimanam’, ‘Aditya 369’ and ‘Mayuri’. He also collaborated with Kamal Haasan on films including ‘Apoorva Sagodharargal’ and ‘Michael Madana Kama Rajan’.
Celebrities mourn Singeetham Srinivasa Rao’s demise
Several other members of the film fraternity have also remembered the veteran filmmaker following his passing. Vijay Deverakonda, Kamal Haasan, S. S. Rajamouli and Vishnu Manchu were among those who paid tribute to Singeetham and reflected on his contribution to Indian cinema.