Singeetham Srinivasa Rao (1931-2026): Kamal Haasan pays last respects to filmmaker; Chiranjeevi, Jr NTR mourn demise

Tributes have poured in from actors, filmmakers and other members of the film industry following filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's death.

Singeetham Srinivasa Rao (1931-2026): Legendary filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, who directed genre-defining Indian films such as Pushpaka Vimanam and Aditya 369, died in Chennai on Saturday night following age-related complications. He was 94.

Also Read – Legendary filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao dies at 94

Singeetham Srinivasa Rao made his directorial debut with Neeti Nijayiti (1972). He went on to direct films like Dikkatra Parvathi (1974), Tharam Marindi (1977), Panthulamma (1978), Mayuri (1985), Anand (1986), Pushpaka Vimana (1987), Aditya 369 (1991), Brundavanam (1992), Magalir Mattum (1994), Bhairava Dweepam (1994), Madam (1994), and Son of Aladdin (2003). His last film was Sing Geetham, which hit screens earlier this year.

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Tributes have poured in from actors, filmmakers and other members of the film industry following Singeetham Srinivasa Rao’s death. Actor Jr NTR called him “a visionary who thought ahead of his time, delivering films that feel fresh even across generations.” Actor-producer Vishnu Manchu’s note on X read, “I’d make it feel less like an obituary and more like a personal goodbye from someone whose love for cinema was shaped by his work. This loss feels deeply personal. Singeetham Srinivasa Rao garu was one of my favourite directors growing up. I watched his films with wonder, long before I fully understood the craft behind them. As I grew older and became a part of cinema myself, my admiration for him only grew stronger. He was a true lover of cinema. Fearless in his imagination, constantly experimenting, never allowing himself to be confined by a genre or a formula. Every film he made has something to teach us. Every film is a textbook. For me, he will always remain one of those filmmakers who made me fall in love with the magic of movies. We have lost a true legend, but his cinema will live on and continue to inspire generations. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Singeetham garu. Thank you for the cinema.”

Scroll down for more tributes as the Indian film industry remembers Singeetham Srinivasa Rao.

Live Updates
Oct 4, 2026 02:50 PM IST
Karthi pays tribute to Singeetham Srinivasa Rao

Actor Karthi paid his last respects to Singeetham Srinivasa Rao at the late director’s residence.

Oct 4, 2026 02:30 PM IST
Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's final rites to be held in Chennai

Filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao died at the age of 95 at a private hospital in Chennai on Saturday night. His mortal remains have been kept at his residence in Virugambakkam, with his final rites scheduled to take place at 2 pm today.

Oct 4, 2026 02:11 PM IST
SS Rajamouli mourns Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's lasting influence on Telugu cinema

Filmmaker SS Rajamouli has paid tribute to director Singeetham Srinivasa Rao. He posted on X, "Long before we had the tools or the budgets, he dared to dream bigger than anyone around him. He made a film without a single line of dialogue, took us travelling through time, and moved from comedy to fantasy to deeply human drama as if no line existed between genres. He showed a whole generation of us that the only real limit in cinema is imagination. Every filmmaker who has tried something different in Telugu cinema owes him something, knowingly or not. I certainly do. My deepest condolences to Singeetham Srinivasa Rao garu’s family. Om Shanti."

Oct 4, 2026 01:37 PM IST
Siddaramaiah mourns filmmaker Singeetam Srinivasa Rao's demise, recalls his landmark work

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has expressed grief over the demise of legendary filmmaker Singeetam Srinivasa Rao, remembering him as a visionary who expanded the possibilities of Indian cinema. In a post on X, Siddaramaiah wrote, "Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary filmmaker Shri Singeetam Srinivasa Rao, a visionary and tireless innovator who expanded the possibilities of Indian cinema. Karnataka will always remember him with special affection. His memorable association with Dr. Rajkumar gave us celebrated films such as Haalu Jenu, Chalisuva Modagalu, Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma and Devatha Manushya. His path-breaking Pushpaka Vimana, made without a single spoken dialogue, remains a landmark of Indian cinema and a testament to his creative genius. Even at 94, he remained creatively active, making films until his last breath. My heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues and countless admirers. His extraordinary body of work, spanning around 60 films across languages and genres, will continue to inspire generations. May his soul rest in peace."

Oct 4, 2026 01:10 PM IST
R Sarath Kumar mourns the demise of Singeetam Srinivasa Rao

Actor R Sarath Kumar has expressed grief over the demise of renowned filmmaker Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. He posted on X, "The news of the demise of the renowned director Singeetam Srinivasa Rao due to ill health brings immense sorrow and grief. Having directed over 60 films in various languages including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, and others, he has left an indelible mark in the Indian film world through his unique creativity. Through various films in Tamil such as Michael Madhana Kama Rajan, Mahalir Mattum, Kadhalaa Kadhalaa, and others, he showcased his innovative thinking, sense of humor, and storytelling prowess. His creations are timeless. I convey my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and film industry members who are grieving the loss of Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. I pray to the Almighty that his soul may attain eternal peace."

Oct 4, 2026 12:30 PM IST
Shiva Rajkumar: You are not a part of an art form, you are an ART’

Actor Shiva Rajkumar paid an emotional tribute to legendary filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao following his demise. Remembering the filmmaker’s role in his career, Shiva said wrote "Singeetham Srinivasa Rao sir, you gave me the start with 'ANAND' 40 years of journey in films. You inspired the whole world by directing a film at 94 years. You’re the best example for age is just a number. You are not a part of an art form you are an ART. Your last words about ‘SURVIVOR’ was easily one of best conversation we have had, nobody but you can say it better, to live and breathe cinema for 94 years and give it everything till the last breath. Come back sir! You will always be the greatest."

Oct 4, 2026 12:15 PM IST
Nani: ‘The greatest of greatest left’

Actor Nani took to X to pay an emotional tribute to legendary filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao. His post read, "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."

Oct 4, 2026 12:00 PM IST
Nagarjuna Akkineni mourns Singeetham Srinivasa Rao’s demise

Nagarjuna Akkineni paid tribute to legendary filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao. He tweeted, "Forever in our hearts, dear #singeethamsrinivasarao Garu."

Oct 4, 2026 11:45 AM IST
Bobby mourns Singeetham Srinivasa Rao: ‘A true visionary’

Filmmaker Bobby posted on X, "Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary #singeetamsrinivasarao garu. A true visionary whose contribution to Indian cinema will remain timeless.His legacy will continue to inspire generations. Om Shanti."

Oct 4, 2026 11:30 AM IST
‘A giant of Indian cinema is no more’

Mahesh Babu has mourned the demise of legendary filmmaker Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. He wrote on X, "A giant of Indian cinema is no more…. Singeetam Srinivasa Rao garu was a legend in every sense of the word.. A filmmaker of extraordinary imagination, courage and brilliance.. Indian cinema will forever be indebted to him.. Rest in peace sir.. My deepest condolences to his family…"

Oct 4, 2026 11:15 AM IST
‘Your beliefs, thoughts and stories will live on forever’

Actor Vijay Deverakonda tweeted, "Singeetham sir Your beliefs, your thoughts and your stories will live on with us forever. For everytime you called me since Pellichoopulu to shower love and effection, i hope it made you happy and brought a smile seeing me in one of your films - Sing Geetham I feel happy to have been a part of one of your vision. My forever respect."

Oct 4, 2026 11:00 AM IST
‘You have left behind a legacy’

Actor and politician Khushbu Sundar paid an emotional tribute to legendary filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao. She shared on X, "Extremely saddened at the demise of a genius filmmaker, Shri #singeethamsrinivasarao gaaru. A man who knew his craft so well but never gloated about it. A simple man at heart with a fantastic sense of comedy. Had the privilege of working with him in one of the best of my career, #michaelmadanakamarajan . Rest in peace Sir. You have left behind a legacy and large shoes which won't be filled by anyone.. we will miss you. Om Shanthi."

Oct 4, 2026 10:45 AM IST
‘An irreparable loss to Indian cinema’

Actor Manoj Manchu paid tribute to legendary filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao. He posted on X, "An irreparable loss to Indian cinema. From Aditya 369, Mayuri, and Pushpaka Vimanam to Michael Madana Kama Rajan, Singeetham Srinivasa Rao garu taught us how to dream without boundaries. Cinema has lost one of its greatest masters. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti."

Oct 4, 2026 10:40 AM IST
Kamal Haasan mourns Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's demise

Actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan paid a heartfelt tribute to legendary filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao following his death. In his social media post, Kamal reflected on Singeetham’s youthful spirit and wrote, "Singeetham Karu, according to his own wishes, in his youth, breathed his last along with his youth. His youth did not spread to many. In the desire that that quality should spread, among the friends he held by the hand and walked with, among the disciples I am one. - Kamal Haasan Dying young need not be a tragedy. It can be glorious. Singeetham Srinivasa Rao is a great example. I have admired him since I knew him. Now I aspire to live like he did."

Oct 4, 2026 10:30 AM IST
Venkatesh Daggubati: ‘The end of an extraordinary chapter in Telugu cinema’

Actor Venkatesh Daggubati expressed his grief over the passing of legendary filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao. Remembering the filmmaker’s contribution to cinema, Venkatesh posted on X, "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."

Oct 4, 2026 10:15 AM IST
Pawan Kalyan: 'Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's creative vision captivated audiences’

Actor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan mourned the death of veteran filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao. Remembering his contribution to Indian cinema, Pawan shared, "May peace be granted to the soul of Shri Singeetam Srinivasa Rao garu. I am saddened to learn that renowned director Shri Singeetam Srinivasa Rao garu has passed away. I pray to God that his soul may rest in peace. He crafted diverse films in the Indian film industry. The experiments he conducted and the creative visions he showcased in films like Pushpaka Vimanam, Vichitra Sodarulu*, Mayuri, Aditya 369, and Michael Madana Kamaraju captivated audiences. Songs from films he directed, such as America Ammayi and Panthulamma, gained immense popularity. Even at the age of 94, directing the film Sing Geetam revealed his enduring passion for cinema. I extend my deepest condolences to the family members of Shri Singeetam Srinivasa Rao garu."

Oct 4, 2026 10:00 AM IST
Chiranjeevi: 'Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's films will continue to speak to generations’

Megastar Chiranjeevi paid a heartfelt tribute to legendary filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao following his death. His post on X read, "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. Om Shanti."

Oct 4, 2026 09:55 AM IST
Aadi Saikumar: ‘A filmmaker whose imagination was truly ahead of its time’

Remembering his remarkable body of work, actor Aadi Saikumar said via X, "Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Singeetam Srinivasa Rao garu. A filmmaker whose imagination was truly ahead of its time. From Mayuri and Pushpaka Vimanam to Aditya 369, he created cinema that broke boundaries, explored new ideas and continues to inspire generations even today. We have lost a true visionary and an irreplaceable legend of Indian cinema. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti."

Oct 4, 2026 09:40 AM IST
Devi Sri Prasad remembers Singeetham Srinivasa Rao: ‘You are an unparalleled legend’

Music composer Devi Sri Prasad tweeted, “Dearest Singeetham 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 futuristic ideas and techniques are lessons for all of us and future generations of filmmakers too. Thank you and love you for everything, Sir. I am blessed to have known you and worked with you, Sir. #singeetamsrinivasraoliveson”

Oct 4, 2026 09:25 AM IST
Sreekar: 'Singeetham Srinivasa Rao was excited to share a new idea’

Filmmaker Sreekar mourned the death of Singeetham Srinivasa Rao and shared an emotional tribute on social media. He posted on X, "Cannot digest this news Spoke to him just couple weeks back, he was excited to share a new idea. Dear #singeetham sir! Thanks for everything and hope your smile, innocence, curiosity and your positive spirit stay with us forever. Om Shanthi."

Oct 4, 2026 09:10 AM IST
Sree Vishnu pays tribute to Singeetham Srinivasa Rao: ‘Cinema was his heart’

Remembering the legendary director, actor Sree Vishnu wrote, "Singeetham garu were cinema at heart. Even at 94, his passion was as young as ever. He still had stories to tell and dreams to chase. He left us doing what you loved most, making cinema. Rest in peace, legend."

Oct 4, 2026 08:50 AM IST
Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's 'passion for storytelling will remain timeless'

Filmmaker Sreenu Vaitla took to X to post, "A LEGEND HAS LEFT US. Deeply saddened by the passing of Legendary Filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao Garu. His imagination, innovation, and passion for storytelling created a body of work that will remain timeless. I can never forget those days and the conversations we shared during Anandam, while Akasa Veedhilo was being shot in parallel at RFC. His blessings and those beautiful memories will forever remain close to my heart. He dedicated his life to cinema and continued to pursue his passion for storytelling till the very end. Though he may no longer be with us, his stories, his vision, and his unforgettable films will continue to live on in our hearts forever. Om Shanti."

Oct 4, 2026 08:43 AM IST
'A gem of a person and a great filmmaker'

Film Producer G Dhananjheyan shared via X, "Very sad to learn the demise of Legendary Director #singeetamsrinivasarao sir. A gem of a person and a great filmmaker. He will remain an icon for many memorable films in Indian languages. He had child like enthusiasm to make films even in his old age and made one this year Dikkatra Parvathi, Mayuri, Raja Paarvai, Apoorva Sagotharargal, Michael Madana Kama Rajan, Pushpak (silent film), Aditya 369 (first time travel film), Magalir Mattum, Little John (a fantasy film ), Kadhala Kadhala, Mumbai Express (First Digital film). Recently at 94 years he made Sing Geetham & many important films he helmed. His friendship with Kamal Sir is legendary. Long live Singeetam sir’s memories. Rest in Peace sir."

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