Iconic filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao passed away on Saturday because of ill health, reportedly at a hospital in Chennai. According to reports, he was aged 94 at the time of death. Known for crafting films with a variety of stories across languages, he was the oldest active filmmaker in the world until recently, following the retirement of Clint Eastwood. In his over five-decade-long career, he made several notable projects, some of which earned him state and national recognition. 

Singeetham Srinivasa Rao made his directorial debut with 1972’s Neethi Nijayithi and would go on to helm appreciated films such as Panthulamma, Mayuri, Anand, Pushpaka Vimana, Aditya 369, Brundavanam, Magalir Mattum, Bhairava Dweepam, Madam, and Son of Aladdin. 

The 1974 film Dikkatra Parvathi won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil, whereas 1977’s Tharam Marindi earned Nandi Award for Best Feature Film. Besides, Bhairava Dweepam and Aditya 369 are regarded as legendary achievements in the fantasy and science-fiction genres, respectively. Moreover, his collaborations with Kamal Hassan and Rajkumar produced numerous iconic films. His films starring Kamal include Sommokadidhi Sokokadidihi, Raja Paarvai, Pushpaka Vimana, Apoorva Sagodharargal and Michael Madana Kama Rajan. On the other hand, Rajkumar starred in his films such as Haalu Jenu, Chalisuva Modagalu, Eradu Nakshatragalu, and Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma.

Earlier this year, Singeetham Srinivasa Rao came back after a long time to direct the musical fantasy Sing Geetham. Kamal attended a promotional ceremony for Sing Geetham and marvelled at his director's tenacity and drive to make films even at such a late stage of his career. The actor also said that he would have liked to produce Sing Geetham and would have been the first in line with the legendary director's disciples for the promotional event, if the team had called him earlier for it.