Published Oct 04, 2026 | 11:46 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 04, 2026 | 11:53 AM
Known for his versatility, Rao has worked on films across five languages.
Legendary filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao passed away in a private hospital in Chennai on October 3. He was 94.
According to reports citing Rao’s family, the veteran filmmaker breathed his last at Kauvery Hospital in Chennai, where he had been undergoing treatment for age-related ailments. The final rites are scheduled to be held on Sunday, October 4, at around 2 pm at the Nesapakkam crematorium in Chennai.
Known for his versatility, Rao has worked on films across five languages. Despite his old age and deteriorating health, Rao remained committed to his passion for cinema. His last film, Sing Geetham, a musical fantasy backed by filmmaker Nag Ashwin, was released earlier this year.
Renowned for innovative storytelling, Rao directed acclaimed classics including Raja Paarvai, Apoorva Sagodharargal, Michael Madana Kama Rajan, and Kadhala Kadhala. His versatility spanned the National Award-winning silent comedy Pushpaka Vimanam, the groundbreaking Telugu sci-fi Aditya 369, fantasy adventure Bhairava Dweepam, and Mayuri, an inspiring biopic on classical dancer Sudha Chandran.
Rao’s creative genius, further decorated with a National Film Award for Dikkatra Parvathi, left an indelible mark on Indian cinema through seamless narrative mastery, wholesome entertainment, and technical pioneerism.
Tributes pour in
Prominent political and film personalities have expressed condolences over Rao’s death.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu described Rao’s demise as “extremely heartbreaking.”
“The demise of the renowned film director Sri Singitham Srinivasa Rao garu is extremely heartbreaking. Born in Udayagiri of Nellore district, he became a guiding light for the film industry. The experiments he conducted on the silver screen won the appreciation of audiences. Even though Singitham garu is physically departed, he will remain eternally in the hearts of film lovers. I pray to the Almighty that his soul attains peace. My deepest condolences to his family members,” the CM wrote in a post on X.
ప్రముఖ సినీ దర్శకుడు శ్రీ సింగీతం శ్రీనివాస రావు గారి మృతి అత్యంత బాధాకరం. నెల్లూరు జిల్లా ఉదయగిరిలో జన్మించిన ఆయన సినీ పరిశ్రమకు దిక్సూచిగా మారారు. వెండి తెరపై ఆయన చేసిన ప్రయోగాలు ప్రేక్షకుల ఆదరణ పొందాయి. సింగీతం గారు భౌతికంగా దూరమైనా సినీ ప్రేమికుల మనసుల్లో చిరస్థాయిగా నిలిచిపోతారు. ఆయన ఆత్మకు శాంతిని చేకూర్చాలని ఆ భగవంతుడిని ప్రార్ధిస్తున్నాను. వారి కుటుంబ సభ్యులకు నా ప్రగాఢ సానుభూతి.
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) October 4, 2026
YSRCP leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy called Rao a “true pioneer and pathbreaker” for Indian cinema.
“Indian cinema has lost a true pioneer and pathbreaker, who continued making movies even at the age of 94. Singeetham Srinivasa Rao garu’s unmatched creativity, from silent marvels to sci-fi epics, inspires generations. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May he rest in peace!” he wrote on X.
Actor Jr NTR remembered Rao as “a visionary who thought ahead of his time, delivering films that feel fresh even across generations.”
“The news that Singeetam 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,” he wrote.
సింగీతం శ్రీనివాసరావు గారు ఇక లేరన్న వార్త ఎంతో బాధాకరం. ఆదిత్య 369, పుష్పక విమానం, మయూరి… కాలానికి ముందే ఆలోచించి, తరాలు మారినా కొత్తగా అనిపించే సినిమాలు అందించిన దార్శనికుడు. వారి కుటుంబ సభ్యులకు నా ప్రగాఢ సానుభూతి.
ఓం శాంతి 🙏— Jr NTR (@tarak9999) October 3, 2026
Composer Devi Sri Prasad penned an emotional note paying tribute to the filmmaker: “Dearest SINGEETAM SIR..We wil 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.”
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
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