Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Visionary Filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao Dies; Tributes Honor Legacy
Singeetham Srinivasa Rao was a filmmaker who made movies for more than six decades.
He died in a Chennai hospital on October 3, 2026, while being treated for health problems related to age.
Most reports said he was 94, though one said he was 95.
He directed more than 60 films in several Indian languages.
He liked trying new ideas and making films in many different styles.
Some of his best-known films were Mayuri, Pushpaka Vimanam and Aditya 369.
Pushpaka Vimanam told its story without spoken dialogue, while Aditya 369 was about time travel.
His final film, Sing Geetham, was released in June 2026.
Actors, filmmakers and political leaders remembered him and his work.
Singeetham Srinivasa Rao died at Kauvery Hospital in Chennai on Saturday night, October 3, 2026, while receiving treatment for age-related health problems.
Most reports said he was 94; one report gave his age as 95.
His career spanned more than six decades and included over 60 films across several Indian languages and genres.
His celebrated work included Mayuri, the dialogue-free Pushpaka Vimanam, and the time-travel film Aditya 369.
Filmmakers, actors and political leaders, including SS Rajamouli, Kamal Haasan and Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, paid tribute; his final film, Sing Geetham, was released in June 2026.
- Who
- Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, filmmaker, screenwriter and composer.
- What
- He died while receiving treatment for age-related health problems; most reports said he was 94, while one said 95.
- When
- Saturday night, October 3, 2026.
- Where
- Kauvery Hospital in Chennai, India.
- Why
- Reports said he was being treated for age-related illness or health complications.
- Career
- More than six decades; reports say he directed over 60 films.
- Age reported
- Most reports said 94; one report said 95.
- Notable films
- Mayuri, Pushpaka Vimanam, Aditya 369, Bhairava Dweepam, Apoorva Sagodharargal and Michael Madana Kama Rajan.
- Languages
- Reports describe his work across several Indian languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hindi.
- Awards
- Reports mention National Film Awards, Nandi Awards, Karnataka State Film Awards and Filmfare Awards South.
- Final film
- Sing Geetham, a musical released in June 2026.
- Tributes
- SS Rajamouli, Kamal Haasan, Jr NTR, Chiranjeevi and Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy were among those who paid tribute.
- Final rites
- One report said they were scheduled for around 2 p.m. on October 4 at Nesapakkam crematorium in Chennai.
Sources
Singeetham Srinivasa Rao: Remembering Telugu Cinema Pioneer
Legendary filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao no more
Singeetam Srinivasa Rao Dies At 94; Jr NTR Remembers Veteran Filmmaker's Legacy In Heartfelt Post
SS Rajamouli Pays Tribute To Singeetham Srinivasa Rao: Dared To Dream Bigger Than Anyone Around Him
Singeetham Srinivasa Rao’s Contributions to Indian Cinema Unforgettable: Revanth
Legendary Filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao Dies At 94, Jr NTR And Other Celebs Pay Tribute
Legendary filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao passes away
Legendary filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao dies at 94
Filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao dies at 94; Kamal Haasan, Chiranjeevi and others pay tribute
Legendary Filmmaker Singeetam Srinivasa Rao Passes Away at 94 in Chennai
Singeetham Srinivasa Rao passes away at 94: Remembering the filmmaker behind ‘Apoorva Sagodharargal’ and ‘Mayuri’
Legendary filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao dies at 94, tributes pour in
Veteran filmmaker Singeetam Srinivasa Rao dies at 94
Singeetham Srinivasa Rao’s 60-year-long career was a lesson in experimentation