Singeetam Srinivasa Rao Passes Away at 94, Leaves Behind Cinematic Legacy

Singeetam Srinivasa Rao, the visionary director behind classics like 'Pushpaka Vimanam' and 'Aditya 369', passed away in Chennai on Saturday night at the age of 94. His recent work included the film 'Sing Geetham', which was produced by Nag Ashwin and released in June 2026. Rao had been undergoing treatment at Kauvery Hospital following complications from age-related ailments.

Born on September 21, 1931, in Gudur, Andhra Pradesh, Singeetam Srinivasa Rao began his cinematic journey as an assistant to K Reddy, contributing to films such as 'Mayabazar'. He made his directorial debut with 'Neethi Nijayithi' in 1972 and quickly became known for his willingness to experiment across genres and languages. His filmography spans Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi cinema, with notable titles like 'Mayuri', 'Sommokadidhi Sokokadidhi', 'Bhairava Dweepam', and 'Brundavanam'.

Rao's collaborations with Kamal Haasan resulted in acclaimed films including 'Raja Paarvai', 'Pushpaka Vimanam', 'Apoorva Sagodharargal', and 'Michael Madana Kama Rajan'. He also worked extensively with Kannada legend Rajkumar. 'Pushpaka Vimanam', notable for its lack of spoken dialogue, showcased his flair for visual storytelling, while 'Aditya 369' introduced Telugu audiences to the concept of time travel.

Throughout his career, Singeetam Srinivasa Rao received major accolades, such as the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil for 'Dikkatra Parvathi' and the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment for 'Pushpaka Vimanam'. He was also honored with Nandi Awards, Karnataka State Film Awards, and Filmfare Awards South. Even in his 90s, Rao continued to innovate, with 'Sing Geetham' marking his 61st directorial venture—a project he had envisioned for nearly forty years.

Singeetam Srinivasa Rao's passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, with a body of work that continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.