Condolences pour in for filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao

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Condolences poured in following the death of veteran filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, who was hailed as one of Indian cinema’s most innovative and versatile directors.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expressed deep sorrow over the filmmaker’s death, and said Singeetham had enriched Indian cinema with a wide variety of films.

He recalled Singeetham’s experiments and creativity in films such as Pushpak Vimanam, Vichitra Sodarulu, Mayuri, Aditya 369 and Michael Madana Kamaraju, and noted the popularity of songs in films such as America Ammayi and Pantulamma. His continued passion for cinema, even in his 90s, reflected his dedication to the art, Pawan Kalyan said, conveying his condolences to the bereaved family.

Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh described Singeetham’s death as an irreparable loss to the film industry. Recalling his association with the Nandamuri family, Mr. Lokesh said the director had worked with his grandfather, actor N.T. Rama Rao, and had given the industry several memorable films.

He particularly recalled Aditya 369 and Bhairava Dweepam, which he described as gems in the career of his uncle, Nandamuri Balakrishna.

Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh said Singeetham had left an indelible mark on Indian cinema through films with unconventional themes. He recalled how Pushpak Vimanam, a silent comedy made during the talkie era, created a nationwide sensation, while Aditya 369 introduced the concept of time travel to Telugu cinema through science fiction.

His use of lens techniques to create the dwarf character in Vichitra Sodarulu, at a time when modern computer graphics were unavailable, demonstrated his technical ingenuity, Mr. Durgesh said.

Former Chief Minister and YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy described Singeetham as a multifaceted personality who made his mark as a director, screenwriter, producer, music director and actor. His experimental films, innovative storytelling and use of new technology raised the stature of Indian cinema, he said.

Actor Nandamuri Balakrishna termed the filmmaker’s death a “great loss for Indian cinema,” and recalled their collaboration on Aditya 369, Bhairava Dweepam and Sri Krishnarjuna Vijayam. He said Singeetham had shared a special bond with the Nandamuri family, having worked as an assistant to the legendary director K.V. Reddy, and later as an associate on several of N.T. Rama Rao’s films.

Leaders and the film fraternity conveyed their condolences to Singeetham’s family, and prayed for his soul to rest in peace.

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