Singeetham srinivasa rao, director of iconic kannada films, passes away at 95

Bengaluru: Acclaimed filmmaker , who directed several landmark Kannada films featuring Dr Rajkumar and introduced Shivarajkumar to the industry, died at 95 in Chennai on Saturday night.

Rao passed away at around 10.30 pm at Kauvery Hospital, where he was undergoing treatment for age-related health issues. His death marks the end of a remarkable filmmaking career spanning several decades across multiple Indian languages.

Born on September 21, 1931, in Udayagiri of Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh, Rao directed more than 60 films in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi. He was widely recognised for his experimental filmmaking and innovative storytelling. His achievements included two National Film Awards, three Karnataka State Film Awards, the Nandi Award and a Filmfare Award.

Rao had a special association with Kannada cinema. He directed Dr Rajkumar in several successful films, including Chalisuva Modagalu, Haalu Jenu, Bhagyada Lakshmi Baaramma, Eradu Nakshatragalu, Shravana Banthu and Shruthi Seridaaga.

He also gave Shivarajkumar his debut with Anand, helping launch the career of one of Kannada cinema’s leading actors. Among his other notable films were Pushpaka Vimana, Aditya 369 and Bhairava Dweepam.

His 1988 film Pushpaka Vimana, made without spoken dialogue, was particularly acclaimed for its innovative treatment and visual storytelling. The film went on to become one of the most celebrated experimental films in Indian cinema.

Even at an advanced age, Rao continued to remain creatively active. His passing has left a significant void in the Indian film industry, particularly in Kannada and South Indian cinema, where his contribution remains enduring.