Nani, Ravi Teja, Venkatesh mourn Singeetham Srinivasa Rao at 95
Synopsis
At 95, Singeetham Srinivasa Rao never stopped chasing his next film idea — and that restless passion is exactly what Nani, Ravi Teja, and Venkatesh Daggubati are mourning. With tributes also pouring in from Kamal Haasan and S. S. Rajamouli, the Telugu and Tamil film industries are bidding farewell to a director whose curiosity and originality made him one of Indian cinema’s most singular creative voices.
Key Takeaways
Legendary filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao passed away at the age of 95 .
Nani called him ‘the greatest of greatest,’ recalling his enthusiasm for cinema even at 95 .
Ravi Teja and Venkatesh Daggubati paid heartfelt tributes on social media, mourning the loss of a rare creative spirit.
Rajamouli , Vijay Deverakonda , and Vishnu Manchu also honoured his legacy.
His iconic films include ‘Apoorva Sagodharargal’ , ‘Michael Madana Kama Rajan’ , and ‘Kadhala Kadhala’ .
The Telugu film industry is mourning the passing of legendary filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, who died at the age of 95, leaving behind a celebrated legacy of imaginative and innovative cinema. Actors Nani, Ravi Teja, and Venkatesh Daggubati were among the first from the industry to take to social media to honour his extraordinary contribution to Indian filmmaking.
Nani: 'The Greatest of Greatest'
Nani described Singeetham as one of the ‘greatest of greatest’ and recalled the veteran director’s infectious childlike enthusiasm for cinema that endured well into his final years. “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.
Ravi Teja and Venkatesh Pay Their Respects
Ravi Teja paid tribute to the filmmaker’s lifelong dedication to the craft. “94 years old, but a heart forever young for cinema. Singeetham garu, your passion remains your greatest legacy. Rest in peace,” he said.
Venkatesh Daggubati called the news heartbreaking and highlighted the filmmaker’s rare qualities. “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.
Industry-Wide Outpouring of Grief
The tributes extended well beyond Telugu cinema. Kamal Haasan, S. S. Rajamouli, Vijay Deverakonda, and Vishnu Manchu were among the celebrities who honoured Singeetham Srinivasa Rao for his lasting impact on Indian cinema and his singular approach to storytelling. The collective response underscored how widely his influence was felt across generations and industries.
A Legacy Defined by Imagination
Known for his innovative technique and whimsical narrative sensibility, Singeetham Srinivasa Rao helmed several iconic films across a decades-long career. His notable directorial credits include ‘Raja Paarvai’, ‘Apoorva Sagodharargal’, ‘Michael Madana Kama Rajan’, ‘Kadhala Kadhala’, and ‘Little John’, many of which remain benchmarks of imaginative Tamil and Telugu filmmaking. Notably, his collaborations with Kamal Haasan produced some of Indian cinema’s most beloved comedies and technical showcases. His passing marks the end of a creative era that shaped how mainstream Indian cinema approached fantasy, comedy, and visual storytelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Singeetham Srinivasa Rao?
Singeetham Srinivasa Rao was a legendary Indian filmmaker best known for directing iconic Tamil and Telugu films including ‘Apoorva Sagodharargal’, ‘Michael Madana Kama Rajan’, and ‘Kadhala Kadhala’. He was celebrated for his imaginative storytelling, innovative technique, and his celebrated collaborations with actor Kamal Haasan.
How old was Singeetham Srinivasa Rao when he died?
Singeetham Srinivasa Rao passed away at the age of 95. Despite his advanced age, colleagues recalled that he remained passionate about cinema and continued to pitch new film ideas until the end.
What did Nani say about Singeetham Srinivasa Rao?
Actor Nani described Singeetham as ‘the greatest of greatest’ and recalled his infectious enthusiasm for cinema even at 95, noting that he would always call to share new film ideas. Nani said he was honoured to have lived in the same era as the veteran filmmaker.
Which celebrities paid tribute to Singeetham Srinivasa Rao?
Nani, Ravi Teja, Venkatesh Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda, Kamal Haasan, S. S. Rajamouli, and Vishnu Manchu were among the prominent film personalities who paid tribute to Singeetham Srinivasa Rao following his passing.
What are Singeetham Srinivasa Rao’s most famous films?
His most celebrated directorial works include ‘Raja Paarvai’, ‘Apoorva Sagodharargal’, ‘Michael Madana Kama Rajan’, ‘Kadhala Kadhala’, and ‘Little John’. Many of these films are considered milestones of Tamil and Telugu cinema for their originality and technical inventiveness.
