Veteran Indian filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, celebrated for his experimental storytelling and genre-defying cinema, died at a Chennai hospital on Saturday night. He was 94.
The director, known for classics such as ‘Pushpaka Vimanam’, ‘Aditya 369’ and ‘Bhairava Dweepam’, had been receiving treatment for age-related ailments at Kauvery Hospital after his health deteriorated. His family confirmed his death.
Born in Andhra Pradesh in 1931, Singeetham made his directorial debut with ‘Neeti Nijayiti’ in 1972. Over a career spanning six decades, he worked across five languages, exploring comedy, fantasy, science fiction and biographical drama.
His 1987 silent black comedy ‘Pushpaka Vimanam’, starring Kamal Haasan, won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. His other acclaimed works include ‘Mayuri’ and the time-travel film ‘Aditya 369’.
Singeetham continued making films into his 90s, completing ‘Sing Geetham’ earlier this year. His death prompted tributes from Jr NTR, Chiranjeevi and other members of the film fraternity.
