Bengaluru: Veteran filmmaker Singeetam Srinivasa Rao, best known for the iconic silent comedy Pushpaka Vimana, died at the age of 95 in Chennai on Saturday night. He breathed his last at 10.30pm at Kauvery Hospital, where he was undergoing treatment for age-related ailments.
Rao, who directed more than 60 films across Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi, was known for his experimental storytelling and ability to work across genres. His career earned him two National Film Awards, three Karnataka State Film Awards, a Nandi Award and Filmfare honours.
Born on September 21, 1931, in Udayagiri in Andhra Pradesh’s Nellore district, Rao carved out a distinctive place in Indian cinema with unconventional narratives and innovative filmmaking techniques.
His contribution to Kannada cinema included several successful collaborations with legendary actor Dr Rajkumar. His Kannada directorials include Shravana Banthu, Chalisuva Modagalu, Haalu Jenu, Shruthi Seridaga, Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma and Eradu Nakshatragalu.
Rao also directed Anand, which introduced actor Shivarajkumar to Kannada cinema as a lead actor.
Rao gained national recognition with Pushpaka Vimana, a dialogue-free film that went on to become one of Indian cinema’s most distinctive experiments. His filmography also included the fantasy adventure Bhairava Dweepam, the science-fiction film Aditya 369 and other projects that reflected his willingness to explore unconventional themes and formats.
Known for constantly experimenting with narrative and cinematic form, Rao remained creatively active even in his later years. His work across multiple Indian languages established him as a filmmaker whose influence extended well beyond a single regional film industry.
With his death, Indian cinema has lost a filmmaker remembered for his distinctive vision, experimentation and contribution to several generations of Indian cinema.
