"Great loss to Indian cinema": Rishab Shetty mourns legend Singeetham Srinivasa Rao
Actor Rishab Shetty and director SS Rajamouli pay heartfelt tribute to legendary filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao following his passing at 94.
The Indian film industry is in mourning following the passing of legendary filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, who breathed his last on Saturday at the age of 94. His death marks the end of an era for a man who redefined storytelling across multiple languages and genres.
Kantara star and director Rishab Shetty was among the first to express his grief, describing the veteran's departure as a monumental loss for the nation's cinematic heritage. Taking to Instagram, Shetty shared a deeply personal tribute to the man who shaped his creative outlook.
Rishab Shetty's heartfelt tribute
In an emotional note, Rishab Shetty highlighted the unique qualities that made Rao a standout figure in the industry. "The passing of one of my favourite directors, Singeetham Srinivasa Rao Sir, is a great loss to Indian cinema," Shetty wrote.
The actor-director further elaborated on how Rao's work served as a beacon for aspiring filmmakers, stating: "His imagination, simplicity and fearless way of telling stories have always inspired me as a filmmaker. Thank you for the wonderful cinema and the magic you gave us, Sir."
SS Rajamouli credits Rao for breaking cinematic limits
The tribute to the maestro was echoed by global sensation SS Rajamouli, who credited Rao with shattering the perceived boundaries of what could be achieved on screen. Rajamouli, known for his large-scale spectacles, noted that Rao was a pioneer who dared to dream long before modern technology made such feats easy.
Reflecting on Rao's courage, Rajamouli shared on X: "Long before we had the tools or the budgets, he dared to dream bigger than anyone around him. He made a film without a single line of dialogue, took us travelling through time, and moved from comedy to fantasy to deeply human drama as if no line existed between genres."
Rajamouli emphasized the director's profound impact on Telugu cinema, adding, "Every filmmaker who has tried something different in Telugu cinema owes him something, knowingly or not. I certainly do."
A legacy of innovation and genre-bending
Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's career spanned over six decades, during which he directed more than 60 films. He was a master of versatility, seamlessly transitioning between comedy, fantasy, science fiction, and intense drama.
Some of his most iconic contributions to Indian cinema include:
- Pushpaka Vimana (1987): A groundbreaking black comedy starring Kamal Haasan that famously utilized no spoken dialogue and won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
- Aditya 369: A landmark science-fiction film that explored the complex concept of time travel at a time when the genre was virtually non-existent in India.
- Mayuri (1985): A celebrated film based on the life of dancer Sudha Chandran, which earned several prestigious Nandi Awards.
- Collaborations with Kamal Haasan: His partnership with the veteran actor also yielded classics like Apoorva Sagodharargal and Michael Madana Kama Rajan.
Rao's journey began in the golden age of cinema, working alongside the legendary KV Reddy and contributing to the 1957 classic Mayabazar. From his early days to his final masterpieces, he remained a fearless explorer of the human condition and the limitless possibilities of the silver screen.