Vijay Deverakonda mourns Singeetham Srinivasa Rao: 'I hope it made you happy'
Synopsis
Veteran filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao passed away at 95, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across Indian cinema. Vijay Deverakonda's heartfelt post recalled the director's warmth since Pelli Choopulu and his own cameo in the filmmaker's final project, Sing Geetham — a poignant farewell to a generational talent.
Key Takeaways
Veteran filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao passed away at the age of 95 .
Vijay Deverakonda paid tribute on social media, recalling the filmmaker's warmth since Pelli Choopulu and his cameo in Sing Geetham (2026) .
Jr NTR called the loss 'deeply heartbreaking', citing films like Aditya 369 , Pushpaka Vimanam , and Mayuri .
Rajamouli , and Vishnu Manchu also expressed condolences.
Singeetham's acclaimed filmography includes Raja Paarvai , Apoorva Sagodharargal , Michael Madana Kama Rajan , and Little John .
Actor Vijay Deverakonda mourned the passing of veteran filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, who died at the age of 95, recalling the warmth and affection the director had shown him ever since their connection through Pelli Choopulu. Deverakonda's tribute was among several heartfelt remembrances from across the Indian film industry.
A Bond That Began with Pelli Choopulu
Taking to social media, Deverakonda reflected on how Singeetham Srinivasa Rao would reach out to him and express his fondness over the years. 'Singeetham sir, your beliefs, your thoughts and your stories will live on with us forever. For every time you called me since Pelli Choopulu to shower love and affection, I hope it made you happy and brought a smile seeing me in one of your films,' the actor wrote. He added, 'Singeetham, I feel happy to have been a part of one of your vision. My forever respect.'
Pelli Choopulu, directed by Tharun Bhascker and produced by Raj Kandukuri and Yash Rangineni, featured Vijay Deverakonda and Ritu Varma in the lead roles and became a landmark Telugu film. Most recently, Deverakonda made a special cameo in the 2026 musical fantasy-comedy Sing Geetham, directed by Singeetham Srinivasa Rao himself — one of the filmmaker's final projects.
A Career That Spanned Generations
Singeetham Srinivasa Rao was celebrated for his distinctive filmmaking style, creative ambition, and willingness to push genre boundaries across a career spanning several decades. He helmed acclaimed films including Raja Paarvai, Apoorva Sagodharargal, Michael Madana Kama Rajan, Kadhala Kadhala, and Little John, among others. These films, many of which blended comedy, emotion, and spectacle in ways rarely attempted at the time, have remained culturally resonant across generations.
Industry Pays Tribute
Actor Jr NTR called the news 'deeply heartbreaking', writing: '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.' Actor Kamal Haasan, filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli, and actor Vishnu Manchu were also among those who offered condolences, each recognising Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's immense contribution to Indian cinema and his enduring creative vision.
Legacy and Impact
Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's death marks the end of an era for Indian — and particularly South Indian — cinema. His films are frequently cited as ahead of their time, with Pushpaka Vimanam standing out as a rare silent comedy that earned international admiration. As tributes continue to pour in, his body of work is likely to see renewed attention from both audiences and filmmakers in the days ahead.
Point of View
Visually inventive, unafraid of experiment. The breadth of tributes, spanning Vijay Deverakonda to Jr NTR to Kamal Haasan, reflects how deeply he threaded himself into multiple generations of filmmakers and stars. What is easy to miss in the wave of personal tributes is the institutional loss: very few directors of his era made films that worked simultaneously as commercial entertainers and enduring art, and fewer still kept creating into their nineties. The release of Sing Geetham in 2026 as what turned out to be a final film gives his passing an added poignancy that industry remembrances alone cannot fully capture.
NationPress
4 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Singeetham Srinivasa Rao?
Singeetham Srinivasa Rao was a veteran Indian filmmaker celebrated for his distinctive style and willingness to experiment across genres. His acclaimed films include Apoorva Sagodharargal, Michael Madana Kama Rajan, Pushpaka Vimanam, and Little John, spanning a career of several decades.
How did Vijay Deverakonda react to Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's death?
Vijay Deverakonda paid tribute on social media, recalling how the filmmaker would call him to express love and affection ever since Pelli Choopulu. He wrote, 'I hope it made you happy and brought a smile seeing me in one of your films,' and expressed gratitude for being part of the director's vision.
What was Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's last film?
Singeetham Srinivasa Rao directed the 2026 musical fantasy-comedy Sing Geetham, in which Vijay Deverakonda made a special cameo. This appears to have been among the veteran filmmaker's final directorial projects.
Which other film personalities paid tribute to Singeetham Srinivasa Rao?
Jr NTR, Kamal Haasan, S. S. Rajamouli, and Vishnu Manchu were among the prominent names who expressed condolences and paid tribute to the filmmaker's lasting contribution to Indian cinema.
What is Pelli Choopulu and why is it significant to this story?
Pelli Choopulu is a Telugu film directed by Tharun Bhascker, featuring Vijay Deverakonda and Ritu Varma, which became a major milestone in Deverakonda's career. Singeetham Srinivasa Rao reportedly first reached out to Deverakonda after this film, beginning a warm bond between the two that lasted until the director's death.
