Naidu, Pawan Kalyan, Jagan pay tribute to filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan and YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy were among the leaders who paid tribute to veteran filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao. One of Indian cinema’s most innovative and versatile directors, he died on Saturday (October 3, 2026).

Mr. Naidu said the director, who was born in Udayagiri in Nellore district, had been a guiding light for the film industry, and his experiments on screen had won the appreciation of audiences. He would remain in the hearts of film lovers, the Chief Minister said.

Mr. Pawan Kalyan said Mr. Singeetham had enriched Indian cinema with a wide variety of films. He recalled the director’s experiments and creativity in films such as Pushpaka Vimanam, Vichitra Sodarulu, Mayuri, Aditya 369 and Michael Madana Kamaraju, and 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, Mr. Pawan Kalyan said.

Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh described the director’s death as an irreparable loss to the film industry. Recalling his association with the Nandamuri family, he 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 Mr. Singeetham had left his mark on Indian cinema through films with unconventional themes. He recalled how Pushpaka Vimanam, a silent comedy made during the talkie era, created a nationwide sensation, and 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.

Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy described Mr. 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 Mr. Singeetham had shared a special bond with the Nandamuri family, having worked as an assistant to director K.V. Reddy and later as an associate on several of N.T. Rama Rao’s films.