When Singeetham Srinivasa Rao passed away at 94, Indian cinema lost one of its most daring innovators. While the country remembers him for the silent classic Pushpaka Vimana (1987) or the sci-fi milestone Aditya 369 (1991), his bond with Kannada cinema was deeply personal. Singeetham Srinivasa Rao was not an outsider visiting Kannada to score hits; he was an integral part of its cultural fabric.
Nowhere was this bond felt more strongly than in the tribute shared by Dr Shivarajkumar. Long before he became the ‘Century Star’, Dr Shivarajkumar was a reticent debutant whom Singeetham Srinivasa Rao launched in the 1986 runaway hit Anand.
Reflecting on a 40-year career that began under the master's eye, Dr Shivarajkumar wrote: "Singeetham Srinivasa Rao sir, you gave me the start with Anand—40 years of journey in films. You inspired the whole world by directing a film at 94 years. You're the best example of 'age is just a number'. You are not a part of an art form, you are an ART."
Recalling their final discussions, Dr Shivarajkumar added: "Your last words about the Survivor documentary are one of our best conversations. Nobody can explain how to live for cinema for 94 years and dedicate till the last breath like you did. Come back sir! You will be always the greatest."
Well before Anand, Singeetham Srinivasa Rao had already transformed Dr Rajkumar’s filmography in the 1980s. When mainstream narratives leaned heavily on standard melodrama, Singeetham Srinivasa Rao introduced warmth, subtle humor, and musical grace. Together, Singeetham Srinivasa Rao and Dr Rajkumar delivered landmark films like Haalu Jenu (1982), Chalisuva Modagalu (1982), Shravana Banthu (1984), and the comic hit Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma (1986). Singeetham Srinivasa Rao proved that artistic taste and box-office success could effortlessly coexist.
His fearless style continues to influence modern filmmakers. Kantara director-actor Rishab Shetty mourned the auteur, writing: "The demise of one of my favourite directors, Singeetham Srinivasa Rao sir, is an irreparable loss to Indian cinema. As a filmmaker, his imagination, simplicity, and fearless storytelling style have always inspired me. Thank you sir for the wonderful films and the magical experience you gave us."
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar called Singeetham Srinivasa Rao a 'gem of Indian cinema,' while Deputy Chief Minister Dr G Parameshwara noted that cinema is poorer without his inventive spirit. Even at 94, Singeetham Srinivasa Rao stayed curious about the craft, proving that true passion never ages.
