Renowned filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao passed away at Kauvery Hospital in Chennai on Saturday due to age-related health complications at the age of 94.
Over a distinguished career spanning six decades, the multi-hyphenate director, writer, composer, and producer transformed South Indian cinema with his visionary and experimental storytelling across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi films.
Known for crafting movies far ahead of their time, his celebrated filmography includes the iconic silent black comedy Pushpaka Vimana (1987), the pioneering time-travel sci-fi Aditya 369 (1991), the dance drama Mayuri (1985), and Kamal Haasan classics such as Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989) and Michael Madana Kama Rajan (1990).
Even in his nineties, his creative energy remained undiminished. His final directorial effort, Sing Geetham, an experimental musical comedy produced by Kalki 2898 AD director Nag Ashwin and starring Ayaan Khan, Ahilya Bamroo, and Shalini Kondepudi, made him one of the world’s oldest active filmmakers.
Tributes have poured in from across the Indian film industry, honouring the legacy of a master storyteller whose innovative spirit redefined cinematic possibilities.
