Legendary Telugu filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, a director whose career spanned nearly four generations of Indian cinema, passed away on 3 October 2026 at Kauvery Hospital in Chennai. He was 95. His death has drawn an outpouring of grief from political leaders across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, who described it as an irreparable loss to Telugu cinema and Indian filmmaking at large.

Chief Ministers Pay Tribute

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy called the passing an irreplaceable loss, crediting Srinivasa Rao for illuminating the screen with diverse narratives and innovative ideas that carved new paths for Telugu cinema. He noted that Srinivasa Rao's legacy extended far beyond direction — his contributions as a writer, thinker, and artist driven by boundless passion for cinema would be remembered eternally. Revanth Reddy extended his condolences to the filmmaker's family, fans, and cinema enthusiasts.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu described the loss as 'extremely heartbreaking', noting that Srinivasa Rao, born in Udayagiri, Nellore district, had become a guiding light for the industry. 'Even though Singeetham garu is physically departed, he will remain eternally in the hearts of film lovers,' Naidu said, adding a prayer for the filmmaker's soul and conveying condolences to the family.

Venkaiah Naidu: 'A Cinematic Laboratory'

Former Vice-President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu, who shared a personal bond with the filmmaker given their common roots in Udayagiri, posted a detailed tribute on X and confirmed that he had consoled the family over the phone. He described Srinivasa Rao as 'a living witness to decades of Telugu cinema history' who 'thought one step ahead of the times and captivated nearly four generations of viewers.'

Venkaiah Naidu called the director not merely a filmmaker but 'a cinematic laboratory,' writing: 'He stands as a shining testament to the saying that age is merely a number, and that thoughts, along with the mind, must embrace freshness from time to time.' He expressed the hope that younger generations would draw inspiration from Srinivasa Rao's journey — one he said held lessons not just for cinema but for every field.

Jagan Mohan Reddy: 'A True Pioneer'

Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, in a post on X, described Srinivasa Rao as 'a true pioneer and pathbreaker' who continued making films even at the age of 94. 'Singeetham Srinivasa Rao garu's unmatched creativity, from silent marvels to sci-fi epics, inspires generations,' he wrote, conveying heartfelt condolences to the filmmaker's family and loved ones.

A Career That Defied Convention

Born in Udayagiri, Srinivasa Rao was widely regarded as one of Telugu cinema's most experimentally bold directors, celebrated for venturing into genres rarely attempted in mainstream Indian filmmaking — from science fiction to mythological spectacles and children's cinema. His willingness to champion novelty across a career spanning decades earned him a rare cross-generational following. Notably, he remained creatively active well into his nineties, a fact repeatedly cited by tributes as a testament to his singular dedication to the craft.

As condolences continue to pour in from across the film industry and political spectrum, the filmmaker's final rites are expected to draw a large gathering from the Telugu entertainment world.