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{{short description|Indian filmmaker}}
{{Short description|Indian filmmaker (born 1931)}}
{{family name hatnote|Singeetam|lang=Telugu}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name              = Singeetam Srinivasa Rao
| name              = Singeetam Srinivasa Rao
| image              = Singeetam Srinivasa Rao.jpg
| image              = Singeetam srinivasa rao.jpg
| alt                =  
| alt                =  
| caption            =  
| caption            =  
| birth_name        =  
| birth_name        =  
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|1931|9|21|df=y}}
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|df=y|1931|9|21}}
| birth_place        = [[Udayagiri, Nellore district|Udayagiri]], [[Madras Presidency]], [[British India]] (now [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[India]])
| birth_place        = [[Gudur]], [[Madras Presidency]], [[British India]] (now [[Andhra Pradesh]], India)
| death_date        = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (death date then birth date) -->
| death_place        =
| nationality        = Indian
| alma mater        = [[University of Madras]]
| alma mater        = [[University of Madras]]
| occupation        = {{hlist|Film director|producer|screenwriter|composer}}
| occupation        = {{hlist|Film director|screenwriter|producer|composer|actor}}
| notable_works      = [[Singeetam Srinivasa Rao filmography|Full list]]
| awards            = [[National Film Awards]]<br />[[Nandi Awards]]<br />[[Filmfare Awards South]]<br />[[Karnataka State Film Awards]]
| awards            = [[National Film Awards]]<br />[[Nandi Awards]]<br />[[Filmfare Awards South]]<br />[[Karnataka State Film Awards]]
}}
}}
'''Singeetam Srinivasa Rao''' (born 21 September 1931)<ref name=":dob">{{Cite news |last=Dundoo |first=Sangeetha Devi |date=2013-09-19 |title=My life is not drab |language=en-IN |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/my-life-is-not-drab/article5145963.ece |url-status=live |access-date=2020-09-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140207011202/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/my-life-is-not-drab/article5145963.ece |archive-date=7 February 2014 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> is an Indian film director, screenwriter, producer, composer, and actor. He is widely regarded as one of India's most versatile and innovative filmmakers.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=M. L. |first=Narasimham |date=20 May 2005 |title=Spinning magic |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/05/20/stories/2005052001520300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060409062525/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/05/20/stories/2005052001520300.htm |archive-date=9 April 2006 |quote=With an amazing display of mastery over a wide range of subjects from comedies to experimental socials to folklore to mythological to 3D animation films that no other contemporary filmmaker has attempted, Singeetham Srinivasa Rao completes half a century of film career this year.}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite news |last=Srinivasan |first=Pavithra |date=7 September 2010 |title=Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's gems before Christ |url=http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/sep/07/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-singeetham-srinivasa-rao.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917032615/http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/sep/07/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-singeetham-srinivasa-rao.htm |archive-date=17 September 2017 |access-date=6 October 2014 |work=[[Rediff.com]] |quote=There's no stopping the drive and ambition of the veteran film-maker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao who has made film after successful film in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi in as many genres as he could, from mythology to laugh-aloud comedies.}}</ref> He has directed around sixty films across multiple genres and languages, including [[Telugu cinema|Telugu]], [[Kannada cinema|Kannada]], [[Tamil cinema|Tamil]], [[Hindi cinema|Hindi]], and [[English language|English]] and is credited with revolutionizing [[Cinema of South India|South Indian cinema]] through his [[Experimental film|experimental approach]]. He has garnered numerous accolades throughout his career, including two [[National Film Awards]], five [[Nandi Awards]], three [[Karnataka State Film Awards]], and three [[Filmfare Awards South]]. In 2011, he was honoured with the Life Achievement Award by the [[Film Federation of India]].


'''Singeetam Srinivasa Rao''' (born 21 September 1931) is an Indian film director, producer, screenwriter, composer, singer, lyricist and actor, known for his works in [[Telugu cinema|Telugu]], [[Tamil cinema|Tamil]], [[Kannada]], and [[Hindi]] films, across multiple genres.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/my-life-is-not-drab/article5145963.ece |title=My life is not drab |newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=19 September 2013 |last1=Dundoo |first1=Sangeetha Devi}}</ref>
Srinivasa Rao began his career as an assistant to the esteemed director [[K. V. Reddy]], working on iconic films such as ''[[Mayabazar]]'' (1957) and ''[[Jagadeka Veeruni Katha]]'' (1961). He made his directorial debut with the Telugu film [[Neeti-Nijayiti|''Neethi Nijayithi'']] (1972), and subsequently directed critically acclaimed [[social problem film]]s like ''[[Dikkatra Parvathi]]'' (1974), which won the  [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil]], and ''[[Tharam Marindi]]'' (1977), which won [[Nandi Award for Best Feature Film]].
The nonagenarian is widely regarded as one of the versatile directors of India.<ref name=":0">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/05/20/stories/2005052001520300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060409062525/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/05/20/stories/2005052001520300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 April 2006 |location=Chennai, India |work=[[The Hindu]] |title=Spinning magic |date=20 May 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/robinhood-is-my-hero-singeetham-srinivasa-rao/article3784868.ece |title=Robinhood is my hero: Singeetham Srinivasa Rao |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=17 August 2012 |last1=Kamath |first1=Sudhish}}</ref> He is credited with having revolutionised the South Indian cinema with [[experimental film]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.the-nri.com/film/op-ed/profile-singeetham-srinivasa-rao |title=Profile: Singeetham Srinivasa Rao}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://arts.nationalpost.com/2010/09/01/bollywood-epic-to-focus-on-the-early-life-of-jesus/ |title=Bollywood epic to focus on the early life of Jesus |date=1 September 2010 |work=National Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Singeetam-Srinivasa-Raos-unique-record/articleshow/22658595.cms |title=Singeetam Srinivasa Rao's unique record |newspaper=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/sep/07/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-singeetham-srinivasa-rao.htm |location=Hyderabad, India |work=Rediff |title=Gems Before Christ |date=2010}}</ref> He has garnered two [[National Film Awards]], five state [[Nandi Awards]], three [[Filmfare Awards South]], and three [[Karnataka State Film Awards]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/four-decades-later-a-flashback/article6156199.ece |title=Four decades later, a flashback |newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=28 June 2014}}</ref>


In 2010, Rao headed the Jury of the Indian Panorama at the 8th Chennai International Film Festival.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Chennai-International-Film-Festival-opens/articleshow/7108485.cms |title=Chennai International Film Festival opens |newspaper=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> In 2011, Rao received the Life Achievement Award from the [[Film Federation of India]] at the 4th ''Global Film Festival''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ragalahari.com/tollywood-news-2011-november/13017/ffi-to-give-life-time-award-for-singeetam-srinivas-rao|title=Singeetam Srinivas Rao to be awarded Life-time Achievement by FFI|website=Ragalahari.com|access-date=6 April 2022}}</ref> Rao was also the Guest of honor alongside [[Barrie Osbourne]] at the ''Media and Entertainment Business Conclave 2012'' hosted by [[FICCI]] and FFI.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/stalwarts-to-zoom-in-on-creative-commercial-secrets-of-celluloid/article3959847.ece |title=Stalwarts to zoom in on creative, commercial secrets of celluloid |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=3 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/ficci-to-celebrate-100-years-of-indian-cinema/297311-60-120.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007062718/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/ficci-to-celebrate-100-years-of-indian-cinema/297311-60-120.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-10-07 |title=FICCI to celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema |work=IBNLive}}</ref> In 2012, Rao served as one of the selection committee members for the [[Sundance Institute]]'s screenwriters lab.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sundance.org/festival/release/eight-feature-film-projects-selected-for-first-ever-mumbai-mantra-sundance-/|title=Eight Feature Film Projects Selected For First-Ever Mumbai Mantra - Sundance Institute Screenwriters Lab|website=Sundance.org|access-date=6 April 2022}}</ref>
He went on to direct notable films like ''[[Panthulamma]]'' (1978), ''[[Mayuri (film)|Mayuri]]'' (1985), ''[[Anand (1986 film)|Anand]]'' (1986), ''[[Pushpaka Vimana (1987 film)|Pushpaka Vimana]]'' (1987), ''[[Aditya 369]]'' (1991), ''[[Brundavanam (1992 film)|Brundavanam]]'' (1992), ''[[Magalir Mattum (1994 film)|Magalir Mattum]]'' (1994), ''[[Bhairava Dweepam]]'' (1994), ''[[Madam (1994 film)|Madam]]'' (1994), and ''[[Son of Aladdin]]'' (2003). ''Mayuri'' won a record 14 [[Nandi Awards]], while ''Pushpaka Vimana'', a dialogue-less film, earned the [[National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment|National Film Award for Best Popular Film]]. ''Aditya 369'' and ''Bhairava Dweepam'' are considered landmark films in the [[Science fiction film|science fiction]] and [[Fantasy film|fantasy]] genres, respectively, within [[Telugu cinema]].


The 2003 [[animation film]], ''[[Son of Aladdin]]'', had 1100 shots and 125 characters.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031006/login/main3.htm|title=Log in ...Tribune: IT supplement of The Tribune, Chandigarh, India. Feature page|website=Tribuneindia.com|access-date=6 April 2022}}</ref> The film won ''Special Mention in the Competition section'' at the 2003 ''International Children’s Film Festival Hyderabad'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2003/11/22/stories/2003112201731700.htm |title=The Hindu Business Line : Children's film fest comes to a close|website=Thehindubusinessline.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Tintin-a-bonanza-for-children-at-film-festival/articleshow/261488.cms |title=Tintin a bonanza for children at film festival |work=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2003/11/20/stories/2003112001612200.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141005141606/http://www.thehindu.com/2003/11/20/stories/2003112001612200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-10-05 |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=2003-11-20 |title=Lights, camera... chaos}}</ref> and subsequently premiered at the 37th [[International Film Festival of India]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iffigoa.org/iffi2006/alladin.php |title=IFFI 2006 |website=Iffigoa.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006070616/http://www.iffigoa.org/iffi2006/alladin.php |archive-date=2014-10-06}}</ref> The 2008 animation film [[Ghatothkach]] premiered at the [[2008 Cannes Film Festival]] in the Critics' Week section,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/ssg/20080512.htm |title=Ghatothkach, Cannes-bound! |date=12 May 2008 |work=Rediff}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=133673 |title=Animation film 'Ghatothkach' to premier at Cannes |access-date=5 January 2009 |date=8 May 2008 |publisher=Merinews}}</ref> and was a special mention at the ''Grand Finale - Children's Film Festival 2014'' of the 44th [[International Film Festival of India]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iffigoa.org/iffi2013/childrens-film-festival-2014/ |title=Children's Film Festival 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006103752/http://www.iffigoa.org/iffi2013/childrens-film-festival-2014/ |archive-date=6 October 2014 |url-status=dead |access-date=5 October 2014}}</ref>
Srinivasa Rao is also known for his collaborations with actors [[Dr. Rajkumar|Rajkumar]] and [[Kamal Haasan]], which resulted in several commercially successful and critically acclaimed films. With Kamal Haasan, he worked on films such as ''[[Sommokadidi Sokokadidi|Sommokadidhi Sokokadidihi]]'' (1979), ''[[Raja Paarvai]]'' / ''[[Raja Paarvai|Amavasya Chandrudu]]'' (1981), ''[[Pushpaka Vimana (1987 film)|Pushpaka Vimana]]'' (1987), ''[[Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989 film)|Apoorva Sagodharargal]]'' (1989) and ''[[Michael Madana Kama Rajan]]'' (1990). His collaboration with Rajkumar produced films like ''[[Haalu Jenu]]'' (1982), ''[[Chalisuva Modagalu]]'' (1982), ''[[Eradu Nakshatragalu]]'' (1983), and ''[[Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma]]'' (1986).


Rao served as the executive director for the 1970 [[Kannada film]], [[Samskara (film)|Samskara]] which won the [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film]], and Bronze Leopard at the [[Locarno International Film Festival]].<ref name="Directorate of Film Festival">{{cite web |url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/FrmIP1985Award.aspx?PdfName=IP1985.pdf |title=Directorate of Film Festival}}</ref> He made his [[Telugu cinema|Telugu]] directorial debut with ''Neethi Nijayithi'' (1972). He then directed [[social problem films]] like ''[[Dikkatra Parvathi]]'' (1974), which won the [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil]], [[Filmfare Award for Best Film – Tamil]] for that year,<ref name=":0" /> and ''Tharam Marindhi'', which won [[Nandi Award for Best Feature Film]], both of which were premiered at [[International Film Festival of India]] and the [[Moscow Film Festival]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/FrmIP1977-78Award.aspx?PdfName=IP1977-78.pdf |title=Directorate of Film Festival}}</ref> The 1987 [[silent film]], ''[[Pushpaka Vimana (1987 film)|Pushpaka Vimana]]'' gained international acclaim, including [[1988 Cannes Film Festival]] premiere in the International Critics' Week. The film has received the [[National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment]], and [[Filmfare Award for Best Film – Kannada|Filmfare Award South for Best Film]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-sundaymagazine/need-for-a-universal-story/article2275204.ece |title=Need for a universal story |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=6 May 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/pushpak-completes-25-years-tinnu-anand-amala-go-down-memory-lane/292212-61.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140904000506/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/pushpak-completes-25-years-tinnu-anand-amala-go-down-memory-lane/292212-61.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-09-04 |title='Pushpak' completes 25 years: Tinnu Anand, Amala go down memory lane |work=IBNLive}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gradunion.cam.ac.uk/events/sakhya-indian-cinema-club-pushpaka-vimana-the-love-chariot/ |title=Sakhya Indian Cinema Club: Pushpaka Vimana (The Love Chariot) |work=Graduate Union |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006065815/http://www.gradunion.cam.ac.uk/events/sakhya-indian-cinema-club-pushpaka-vimana-the-love-chariot/ |archive-date=6 October 2014}}</ref>
In February 2026, veteran filmmaker Singeetam Srinivasa Rao announced his return to directing with a new project, provisionally titled ''SSR61'', marking his first film in ten years.<ref>{{cite news |title='SSR61' announced: Singeetam Srinivasa Rao makes film at 93: Legendary director returns after 10 years |work=The Times of India |date=February 2026 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/ssr61-announced-singeetam-srinivasa-rao-makes-film-at-93-legendary-director-returns-after-10-years/articleshow/127833855.cms}}</ref>


Rao is particularly noted for his collaboration with 2 actors - [[Dr.Rajkumar]] and [[Kamal Haasan]] - which resulted in commercially successful critically acclaimed cult classic movies. While with Kamal, he made films such as ''Pushpaka Vimana'' (1987), [[Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989 film)|''Apoorva Sagodhararga'']] (1990) and ''[[Michael Madana Kama Rajan]]'' (1991) among others,<ref>{{cite web |title=Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's gems before Christ |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-singeetham-srinivasa-rao/20100907.htm |access-date=2021-01-10 |website=Rediff |language=en}}</ref> with Rajkumar (whom he directed in seven Kannada films in the 1980s),<ref name="m.timesofindia.com">{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/this-day-that-year-dr-rajkumars-iconic-haalu-jenu-turns-39/articleshow/83029396.cms |title=This Day, That Year: Dr. Rajkumar's iconic 'Haalu Jenu' turns 39 &#124; Kannada Movie News |newspaper=[[Times of India]] |date=May 28, 2021 |access-date=2022-04-05}}</ref> he delivered classics like ''[[Haalu Jenu]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.prajavani.net/news/article/2017/05/10/490390.html |title=ಹಾಲು ಜೇನು |date=11 May 2017}}</ref> ''[[Chalisuva Modagalu]]'' and ''[[Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/best-of-2019/five-comedies-in-kannada-cinema-streaming-on-youtube/amp/ |title=Five Comedies in Kannada Streaming on YouTube |date=13 May 2020}}</ref> He was also the first person to direct [[Dr. Rajkumar]] and all his three sons.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/a-roller-coaster-ride/article19981531.ece/amp/ |title=A roller-coaster ride |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=4 November 2017}}</ref>
== Early life ==
Singeetam Srinivasa Rao was born on 21 September 1931 in a [[Telugu people|Telugu]] family in [[Gudur]] of then [[Nellore district]], [[Andhra Pradesh]]. His father, Ramachandra Rao, was a headmaster and his mother, Sakunthala Bai, was a violinist.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=M. L. |first=Narasimham |date=20 May 2005 |title=Spinning magic |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/05/20/stories/2005052001520300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060409062525/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/05/20/stories/2005052001520300.htm |archive-date=9 April 2006 |access-date=2022-09-15 |website=The Hindu}}</ref> As a school student, he showed glimpses of talent both in [[Play (theatre)|plays]] and music. He graduated with a Physics Degree from [[Presidency College, Chennai]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Directorate of Film Festival |url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/FrmIP1985Award.aspx?PdfName=IP1985.pdf |page=141 |access-date=1 October 2014 |archive-date=8 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708014643/http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/FrmIP1985Award.aspx?PdfName=IP1985.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ఫన్ డేలో కె.వి. గురించి సింగీతం2">{{cite news |last1=Singeetam |first1=Srinivasa Rao |title=మహాదర్శకుడి గురించి ఆయన శిష్యదర్శకుడు |url=http://telugucinemacharitra.com/%E0%B0%A6%E0%B0%B0%E0%B1%8D%E0%B0%B6%E0%B0%95%E0%B1%81%E0%B0%B2%E0%B0%95%E0%B1%81-%E0%B0%AE%E0%B0%BE%E0%B0%B0%E0%B1%8D%E0%B0%97-%E0%B0%A6%E0%B0%B0%E0%B1%8D%E0%B0%B6%E0%B0%95%E0%B1%81%E0%B0%A1%E0%B1%81/ |accessdate=7 October 2022 |work=[[Sakshi (newspaper)|Sakshi]] |language=te |agency=}}</ref> In college, he honed his skills in plays such as ''Windows'' under [[Harindranath Chattopadhyay]].<ref name=":5" />


== Early life and career ==
== Career ==
Singeetam Srinivasa Rao was born on 21 September 1931.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dundoo |first=Sangeetha Devi |date=2013-09-19 |title=My life is not drab |language=en-IN |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/my-life-is-not-drab/article5145963.ece |access-date=2020-09-21 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> He graduated with a Physics Degree from [[University of Madras]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/FrmIP1985Award.aspx?PdfName=IP1985.pdf |title=Directorate of Film Festival |page=141}}</ref> Rao worked as associate director and singer to [[Harindranath Chattopadhyay]], [[K. V. Reddy]], and [[Pingali Nagendrarao]], for films like [[Mayabazar]] (1957), ''[[Pelli Naati Pramanalu]]'' (1958), ''[[Jagadeka Veeruni Katha]]'' (1961), ''[[Sri Krishnarjuna Yuddham]]'' (1963), and ''[[Satya Harishchandra (1965 Telugu film)|Sathya Harischandra]]'' (1965).<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRSMGFPk5lU ] {{cbignore}}{{Dead Youtube links|date=February 2022}}</ref> In 1972, Rao ventured into film direction, and directed about sixty films in various languages including Hindi and English.
 
=== Early career ===
After graduation his ambition was to get into films. As his attempts to meet the director [[K. V. Reddy]] failed, he took up the job of a teacher in [[Sullurpeta|Sullurupeta]].<ref name=":5" /> But he continued writing and wrote two experimental award-winning plays ''Bhrama'' and ''Anthyaghattam.'' He also wrote ''Chitrarjuna'', a musical play adopted from Tagore's ''Chitra - Prince of the Dark Chamber''. It was translated into English by Scottish dramatist Tom Buchan for an American television channel. He also worked as a journalist at the time writing for ''Telugu Swatantra.<ref name=":5" />''<ref name="ఫన్ డేలో కె.వి. గురించి సింగీతం2" />
 
=== Telugu cinema ===
{{Main|Telugu cinema}}
 
He continued his efforts to meet his favourite director K. V. Reddy and in 1954 he was finally able to meet him. K. V. Reddy gave him a copy of ''[[The Monkey's Paw]]'' and asked him to write a script based on it. Srinivasa Rao wrote the script along with dialogues in three months. K. V. Reddy was impressed and took him as an [[Apprenticeship|apprentice]].<ref name=":5" /> He later graduated as an associate director under K. V. Reddy and worked with him for all his films from ''[[Donga Ramudu (1955 film)|Donga Ramudu]]'' (1955) until ''[[Uma Chandi Gowri Sankarula Katha]]'' (1968) including ''[[Mayabazar]]'' (1957), ''[[Jagadeka Veeruni Katha]]'' (1961), ''[[Sri Krishnarjuna Yuddham]]'' (1963).<ref name="ఈనాడు సినిమాలో సింగీతం">{{cite news |last1=Singeetam |first1=Srinivasa Rao |date=1 July 2012 |title=స్వర్ణయుగాన్ని చూపించిన గురువు |language=te |work=[[Eenadu]] |url=http://telugucinemacharitra.com/%E0%B0%A6%E0%B0%B0%E0%B1%8D%E0%B0%B6%E0%B0%95%E0%B1%81%E0%B0%B2%E0%B0%95%E0%B1%81-%E0%B0%AE%E0%B0%BE%E0%B0%B0%E0%B1%8D%E0%B0%97-%E0%B0%A6%E0%B0%B0%E0%B1%8D%E0%B0%B6%E0%B0%95%E0%B1%81%E0%B0%A1%E0%B1%81/ |accessdate=7 October 2022}}</ref>
 
In 1972, Srinivasa Rao ventured into film direction with ''Neethi Nijayithi'', an offbeat Telugu film. The film won critical acclaim but was not commercially successful.<ref name=":5" /> He then directed the [[social problem film]] ''[[Tharam Marindi]]'' (1977) which won the [[Nandi Award for Best Feature Film]].<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=Directorate of Film Festival |url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/FrmIP1977-78Award.aspx?PdfName=IP1977-78.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006130311/http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/FrmIP1977-78Award.aspx?PdfName=IP1977-78.pdf |archive-date=6 October 2014 |access-date=1 October 2014}}</ref>
 
He made other successful Telugu films like ''Zamindaru gari Ammayi'' (1975), ''[[America Ammayi (film)|America Ammayi]]'' (1976), ''[[Panthulamma]]'' (1978), ''[[Sommokadidhi Sokokadidhi]]'' (1979), ''[[Mayuri (film)|Mayuri]]'' (1985), ''[[America Abbayi]]'' (1987), ''[[Aditya 369]]'' (1991), ''[[Brundavanam (1992 film)|Brundavanam]]'' (1992), ''[[Bhairava Dweepam]]'' (1994), ''[[Madam (1994 film)|Madam]]'' (1994). ''Mayuri'' won a record 14 [[Nandi Awards]] including the [[Nandi Award for Best Feature Film]].<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Srinivasan |first=Pavithra |date=7 September 2010 |title=Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's gems before Christ |url=https://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/sep/07/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-singeetham-srinivasa-rao.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917032615/http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/sep/07/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-singeetham-srinivasa-rao.htm |archive-date=17 September 2017 |access-date=2022-09-16 |website=[[Rediff.com]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web |date=13 March 2010 |title=నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964–2008) |trans-title=A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008) |url=http://ipr.ap.nic.in/New_Links/Film.pdf |access-date=3 January 2021 |publisher=[[Andhra Pradesh (magazine)|Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh]] |page=74 |language=te}}</ref> Srinivasa Rao won the [[Nandi Award for Best Screenplay Writer]] for ''Brundavanam'' and the [[Nandi Award for Best Director]] for ''Bhairava Dweepam''. ''Aditya 369'' and ''Bhairava Dweepam'' are considered classic films in [[Science fiction film|science fiction]] and [[Fantasy film|fantasy]] genres respectively in [[Telugu cinema]].<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |title=Singeetam Srinivasa Rao's unique record |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Singeetam-Srinivasa-Raos-unique-record/articleshow/22658595.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222014608/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Singeetam-Srinivasa-Raos-unique-record/articleshow/22658595.cms |archive-date=22 December 2015 |access-date=4 October 2014 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=18 July 2021 |title=30 years for Aditya 369: Nandamuri Balakrishna thanks Gen Z for all the love |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/30-years-for-aditya-369-nandamuri-balakrishna-thanks-gen-z-for-all-the-love/articleshow/84521628.cms |access-date=2022-09-15 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":02">{{Cite web |title='భైరవద్వీపం' కోసం నానాపటేకర్, అమ్రిష్ పూరి - Behind the story of Bhairava Dweepam |url=https://www.eenadu.net/cinema/latestnews/Behind-the-story-of-Bhairava-Dweepam/0208/120129373 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101042454/https://www.eenadu.net/cinema/latestnews/behind-the-story-of-bhairava-dweepam/0208/120129373 |archive-date=1 November 2020 |access-date=2021-09-16 |website=[[Eenadu]] |language=te}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{Cite web |date=17 July 2021 |title=Celebrating 30 years of timeless classic 'Aditya 369' |url=https://telanganatoday.com/celebrating-30-years-of-timeless-classic-aditya-369 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719193206/https://telanganatoday.com/celebrating-30-years-of-timeless-classic-aditya-369 |archive-date=19 July 2021 |access-date=2021-07-19 |website=Telangana Today |language=en-US}}</ref>
 
He made over half of his films in Telugu. He directed nearly 30 Telugu films across genres. His most recent film was ''[[Welcome Obama]]'' (2013). The story deals with [[commercial surrogacy in India]] where women are used as surrogates by foreigners and tells the story of one such surrogate mother who bears a foreigner's child.<ref name=":dob" />
 
He is also roped in as a mentor for the upcoming Telugu science fiction film [[Project K (film)|''Project K'']]. Made at an estimated budget of ₹600 [[crore]], it is one of the [[List of most expensive Indian films|most expensive Indian films]] ever made. Srinivasa Rao gave his inputs and opinion on the film's script as a part of the mentorship.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 September 2022 |title=Singeetam gives clarity about his involvement in Project K |url=https://telugucinema.com/news/singeetam-gives-clarity-about-involvement-in-project-k |access-date=2022-09-24 |website=[[Telugucinema.com]] |language=en-US}}</ref>


===Kannada cinema===
===Kannada cinema===
Rao was the executive director of the 1970 Kannada movie ''[[Samskara (film)|Samskara]]'' directed by [[Pattabhirama Reddy Tikkavarapu|Pattabhirama Reddy]]. It won the President's gold medal for [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film]].<ref name=":0" /> Singeetam made his Kannada directorial debut with the 1982 blockbuster ''[[Haalu Jenu]]'' starring [[Dr. Rajkumar|Rajkumar]]. He went on to direct six more Kannada blockbusters with Rajkumar -  ''[[Chalisuva Modagalu]]'' (1982), ''[[Eradu Nakshatragalu]]'' (1983), ''[[Shravana Banthu]]'' (1984), ''[[Jwaalamukhi]]'' (1985) ''[[Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma]]'' (1985) and ''[[Devatha Manushya]]''(1988). Two of these were based on novels. He was also selected to direct the debut movies of Rajkumar's two sons - ''[[Anand (1986 film)|Anand]]'' (1986) and ''Chiranjeevi Sudhakara'' (1988). His other Kannada directorials in the latter part of his career include ''Ksheera Sagara'' (1992),  ''[[Tuvvi Tuvvi Tuvvi]]'' (1999) and ''[[Make-up (2002 film)|Make-up]]'' (2002). He co-wrote the screenplay for two Kannada movies produced by Rajkumar banner but which were not directed by him - ''[[Shruthi Seridaaga]]'' and ''[[Samyuktha]]''. He was also the script-writer of ''[[Belliyappa Bangarappa]]''. A disciple of legendary composer [[S. Rajeswara Rao]], he has composed music for 2 Kannada movies of Rajkumar banner <ref>{{cite web |url=https://silverscreenindia.com/movies/features/interviews/singeetam-srinivasa-rao-interview-golden-rule-cinema-no-golden-rule/ |title=Singeetam Srinivasa Rao Interview: "The Golden Rule of Cinema is That There is No Golden Rule" |date=29 October 2016}}</ref> - ''[[Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma]]'' (which was directed by him) and ''[[Samyuktha]]'' (which was not directed by him).
Srinivasa Rao was the executive director of the 1970 Kannada movie ''[[Samskara (film)|Samskara]]'' directed by [[Pattabhirama Reddy Tikkavarapu|Pattabhirama Reddy]]. It won the President's gold medal for [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film]].<ref name=":0" /> Singeetam made his Kannada directorial debut with the 1982 blockbuster ''[[Haalu Jenu]]'' starring [[Dr. Rajkumar|Rajkumar]]. He went on to direct six more Kannada blockbusters with Rajkumar -  ''[[Chalisuva Modagalu]]'' (1982), ''[[Eradu Nakshatragalu]]'' (1983), ''[[Shravana Banthu]]'' (1984), ''[[Jwaalamukhi]]'' (1985), ''[[Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma]]'' (1986) and ''[[Devatha Manushya]]'' (1988). Two of these were based on novels. He was selected to direct the historical ''Amoghavarsha Nrupathunga'' which was supposed to be Rajkumar's 200th movie but eventually dropped.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 July 2022 |title=ಅಣ್ಣಾವ್ರ 200ನೇ ಸಿನಿಮಾ ಆಗ್ಬೇಕಿತ್ತು 'ಅಮೋಘವರ್ಷ ನೃಪತುಂಗ': ವೈರಲ್ ಆಯ್ತು ವಿಡಿಯೋ! |url=https://kannada.filmibeat.com/features/amoghavarsha-nrupathunga-supposed-to-be-dr-rajkumar-200th-movie-parvathamma-video-goes-viral-059477.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719230918/https://kannada.filmibeat.com/features/amoghavarsha-nrupathunga-supposed-to-be-dr-rajkumar-200th-movie-parvathamma-video-goes-viral-059477.html |archive-date=19 July 2022 |access-date=1 August 2022}}</ref> However, he subsequently went on to direct ''Devatha Manushya'' (1988) which happened to be Rajkumar's 200th film.
 
His other popular Kannada directorial films include ''[[Anand (1986 film)|Anand]]'' (1986) and ''[[Chiranjeevi Sudhakara]]'' (1988) apart from ''Ksheera Sagara'' (1992),  ''[[Tuvvi Tuvvi Tuvvi]]'' (1999) and ''[[Makeup (2002 film)|Makeup]]'' (2002) in the latter part of his career. He co-wrote the screenplay for two Kannada movies produced by Rajkumar's banner that were not directed by him - ''[[Shruthi Seridaaga]]'' (1987) and ''[[Samyuktha]]'' (1988). He was also the script-writer of ''[[Belliyappa Bangarappa]]'' (1992). A disciple of legendary composer [[S. Rajeswara Rao]], he has composed music for two Kannada films - ''Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma'' and ''Samyuktha.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 October 2016 |title=Singeetam Srinivasa Rao Interview: "The Golden Rule of Cinema is That There is No Golden Rule" |url=https://silverscreenindia.com/movies/features/interviews/singeetam-srinivasa-rao-interview-golden-rule-cinema-no-golden-rule/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609083310/https://silverscreenindia.com/movies/features/interviews/singeetam-srinivasa-rao-interview-golden-rule-cinema-no-golden-rule/ |archive-date=9 June 2020 |access-date=19 July 2020}}</ref>''
 
Most of the films he directed in Kannada were produced by [[Parvathamma Rajkumar]] and all were critically and commercially successful. Of the seven films Srinivasa Rao directed with Rajkumar in lead roles, four movies were remade in Telugu.
Singeetam's association with Rajkumar was a rare one where he not only directed cult classics and landmark movies but also co-wrote screenplay and composed music for movies produced by the actor even though they were not directed by him. This stands as a testimony for the faith Rajkumar had in the abilities of Rao and the admiration Srinivasa had for Rajkumar.<ref>{{Cite book |last=M. K. |first=Raghavendra |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3vQtDwAAQBAJ&q=Singeetam+and+kannada+actor+Rajkumar+relationship&pg=PT117 |title=Bipolar Identity: Region, Nation, and the Kannada Language Film |date=22 June 2011 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=9780199088430 |access-date=20 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815151112/https://books.google.com/books?id=3vQtDwAAQBAJ&q=Singeetam+and+kannada+actor+Rajkumar+relationship&pg=PT117 |archive-date=15 August 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>
In 1988, when Rajkumar announced his desire to temporarily retire from acting, Singeetam decided to concentrate on Tamil movies where he mostly had [[Kamal Haasan]] in the lead roles.<ref>{{Cite book |last=M. K. |first=Raghavendra |url=https://oxford.universitypressscholarship.com/view/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198071587.001.0001/acprof-9780198071587-chapter-3 |title=Bipolar Identity |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2011 |isbn=978-0-19-807158-7 |pages=73–98 |chapter=Vestiges of Mysore |doi=10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198071587.003.0003 |access-date=1 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019215907/https://oxford.universitypressscholarship.com/view/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198071587.001.0001/acprof-9780198071587-chapter-3 |archive-date=19 October 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
 
The ''Kannada Film Journalists Association'' has honoured Srinivasa Rao with a Special Biography. Srinivasa Rao received three Karnataka State Film Awards  {{Em dash}} two for Best Screenplay and one for Best movie.<ref name=":0" />
 
===Lyricist and composer===
 
He composed lyrics for films like ''[[Bhairava Dweepam]]'' (1994) and soundtracks for a few Kannada films. He edited many magazines in Telugu such as ''Bharati'', and scripted plays like ''Brahma'', ''Antya Ghattam'', and ''Chitrārjuna''. ''Chitrārjuna'' was also translated into English, and was telecasted in American Television.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 August 2010 |title=Pawan Kalyan to star in Bollywood film of Christ's life |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2010/aug/31/bollywood-jesus-christ-film-israel |website=The Guardian |access-date=13 December 2016 |archive-date=26 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426063543/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2010/aug/31/bollywood-jesus-christ-film-israel |url-status=live }}</ref> A disciple of legendary composer [[S. Rajeswara Rao]], he has also composed music for two Kannada movies of matinee idol [[Dr. Rajkumar|Rajkumar]]'s banner - ''[[Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma]]'' (which was directed by him) and ''[[Samyuktha]]'' - (which was not directed by him).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's gems before Christ |url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-singeetham-srinivasa-rao/20100907.htm |access-date=31 July 2022 |archive-date=10 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410090140/https://m.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-singeetham-srinivasa-rao/20100907.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
=== Innovative cinema ===
[[File:In conversation with Director Singeetam Srinivasa Rao at the 46th International Film Festival of India (IFFI-2015), in Panaji, Goa on November 25, 2015.jpg|thumb|right|225px|Srinivasa Rao (right) at [[International Film Festival of India|IFFI]] [[46th International Film Festival of India|2015]] ]]
The 1984 Telugu [[biographical film|biographical]] [[dance film]], ''[[Mayuri (film)|Mayuri]]'', which won the ''National Film Award – Special Mention (Feature Film)'', was premiered at the 1985 International Film Festival of India, has also received several state Awards, including the State Nandi Award for Best Feature Film, and Filmfare Award South for Best Direction.<ref name="Directorate of Film Festival">{{Cite web |title=Directorate of Film Festival |url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/FrmIP1985Award.aspx?PdfName=IP1985.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708014643/http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/FrmIP1985Award.aspx?PdfName=IP1985.pdf |archive-date=8 July 2015 |access-date=1 October 2014}}</ref> The film was later remade into Hindi as ''[[Naache Mayuri]]''.
 
In 1988, he co-produced, scripted and directed the first Indian dialogue-less film, ''[[Pushpaka Vimana (1987 film)|Pushpaka Vimana]]'' which received special mention at [[Shanghai Film Festival]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Singeetham Srinivasa Rao &#124; Telugu Cinema &#124; Kamal Hassan |url=http://www.the-nri.com/index.php/2011/01/profile-singeetham-srinivasa-rao/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128105104/http://www.the-nri.com/index.php/2011/01/profile-singeetham-srinivasa-rao/ |archive-date=28 November 2012 |access-date=15 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sri Singeetam Srinivas Rao Profile |url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/starsprofile/Singeetam.php/ |access-date=6 April 2022 |website=[[Telugucinema.com]] |archive-date=2 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002124915/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/starsprofile/Singeetam.php |url-status=live }}</ref> When he was working with Rajkumar, Srinivasa Rao was introduced to Rajkumar's relative, actor [[Shringar Nagaraj]] who decided to co-produce ''Pushpaka Vimana''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Articles : Movie Retrospect : Retro : Pushpaka Vimaanam (1988) |url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/movieretrospect/retro_pushpakavimaanam_1988_2.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101231015109/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/movieretrospect/retro_pushpakavimaanam_1988_2.php |archive-date=31 December 2010 |access-date=12 January 2022 |website=[[Telugucinema.com]]}}</ref> The film was listed among [[CNN-IBN]]'s 'Hundred greatest Indian films of all time'.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 April 2013 |title=100 Years of Indian Cinema: The 100 greatest Indian films of all time |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/photogallery/13200.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424003536/http://ibnlive.in.com/photogallery/13200.html |archive-date=24 April 2013 |access-date=6 April 2022}}</ref>
 
The [[comedy-drama]] blockbuster ''[[Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989 film)|Apoorva Sagodharargal]]'' (1989) was one of the enduring works on [[List of Dwarfism media depictions|dwarfism in popular media]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=10 August 2008 |title=Singeetam reveals secret behind Kamal's dwarf role |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/singeetam-reveals-secret-behind-kamals-dwarf-role/article1311684.ece |access-date=5 October 2014 |archive-date=20 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920062007/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/singeetam-reveals-secret-behind-kamals-dwarf-role/article1311684.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=S |first=Srivatsan |date=13 April 2019 |title=Why Kamal Haasan's 'Apoorva Sagodharargal' is 30-years-young |language=en-IN |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/30-years-of-kamal-haasans-apoorva-sagodargal-singeetam-srinivasa-rao-recalls-the-journey/article26829544.ece |access-date=2019-04-15 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=15 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415083846/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/30-years-of-kamal-haasans-apoorva-sagodargal-singeetam-srinivasa-rao-recalls-the-journey/article26829544.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> The film won the [[Filmfare Award for Best Film – Tamil]], and was premiered at the [[International Film Festival of India]]. The Telugu crossover films like ''[[America Ammayi (film)|America Ammayi]]'' (1976), and ''[[America Abbayi]]'' (1987) were box office hits. The 1990 [[Action comedy film|action comedy]], ''[[Michael Madana Kama Rajan]]'' - a movie about quadruplets<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/kamal-haasan-on-mmkr/article35166010.ece/ | title=Kamal Haasan responds to Alphonse Puthren's request, gives a masterclass on 'Michael Madhana Kama Rajan' | newspaper=The Hindu | date=6 July 2021 }}</ref> - became an instant hit at the box office.
 
The Telugu [[science fiction]] film ''[[Aditya 369]]'' was one of the highest grossing Telugu films of 1991, grossing {{Indian Rupee}}9 [[crore]] at the box office.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/balakrishnas-famous-sci-fi-aditya-369-turns-27-today/articleshow/65034943.cms | title=Balakrishna's famous sci-fi 'Aditya 369' turns 27 today | website=[[The Times of India]] | last1=Nyayapati | first1=Neeshita }}</ref> A sequel, entitled ''Aditya 999'', was delayed indefinitely in July 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 July 2016 |title=That's Why Balayya Delayed Aditya 999 |url=http://www.gulte.com/movienews/50573/Thats-Why-Balayya-Delayed-Aditya-999 |website=Gulte |access-date=20 September 2017 |archive-date=21 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921001356/http://www.gulte.com/movienews/50573/Thats-Why-Balayya-Delayed-Aditya-999 |url-status=live }}</ref> Another science fiction in Tamil, ''[[Chinna Vathiyar]]'' was also an instant hit. The 1994, folklore ''[[Bhairava Dweepam]]'' garnered the state [[Nandi Award for Best Director|Nandi Award for Best Direction]].
 
The 2003 [[animation film]], ''[[Son of Aladdin]]'', had 1100 shots and 125 characters.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Log in ...Tribune: IT supplement of The Tribune, Chandigarh, India. Feature page |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031006/login/main3.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119080806/https://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031006/login/main3.htm |archive-date=19 January 2021 |access-date=6 April 2022 |website=The Tribune}}</ref> The film won ''Special Mention in the Competition section'' at the 2003 ''International Children's Film Festival Hyderabad'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Hindu Business Line : Children's film fest comes to a close |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2003/11/22/stories/2003112201731700.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040815134922/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2003/11/22/stories/2003112201731700.htm |archive-date=15 August 2004 |access-date=5 October 2014 |website=Business Line}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Tintin a bonanza for children at film festival |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Tintin-a-bonanza-for-children-at-film-festival/articleshow/261488.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118221626/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Tintin-a-bonanza-for-children-at-film-festival/articleshow/261488.cms |archive-date=18 January 2016 |access-date=5 October 2014 |website=The Times of India|date=November 2003 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2003-11-20 |title=Lights, camera... chaos |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2003/11/20/stories/2003112001612200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141005141606/http://www.thehindu.com/2003/11/20/stories/2003112001612200.htm |archive-date=2014-10-05 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> and subsequently premiered at the 37th [[International Film Festival of India]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=IFFI 2006 |url=http://www.iffigoa.org/iffi2006/alladin.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006070616/http://www.iffigoa.org/iffi2006/alladin.php |archive-date=2014-10-06 |website=Iffigoa.org}}</ref> The 2008 animation film ''[[Ghatothkach]]'' received special mention at the ''Grand Finale - Children's Film Festival 2014'' of the 44th [[International Film Festival of India]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Children's Film Festival 2014 |url=http://www.iffigoa.org/iffi2013/childrens-film-festival-2014/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006103752/http://www.iffigoa.org/iffi2013/childrens-film-festival-2014/ |archive-date=6 October 2014 |access-date=5 October 2014}}</ref>
 
=== Upcoming projects ===
Srinivasa Rao plans to make a sequel to ''Aditya 369'' in the future.<ref name=":6" /> He also expressed his wish to direct a pre-recorded experimental film {{Em dash}} a musical in which he wants to use pre-recorded sequences and dialogues while shooting. He also wants to make a documentary on the making of ''Apoorva Sagodhararkal.'' He also wants to write a book on the making of ''Pushpaka Vimana'', and his [[autobiography]] in the form of a screenplay.<ref name=":9">{{Cite news |last=Dundoo |first=Sangeetha Devi |date=19 September 2013 |title=My life is not drab |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/my-life-is-not-drab/article5145963.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140207011202/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/my-life-is-not-drab/article5145963.ece |archive-date=7 February 2014 |access-date=4 October 2014 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
 
As of mid-2026, a film directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao, produced by Vyjayanthi Movies, with music composed by Devi Sri Prasad, and written by Gautami Challagulla (story, screenplay, and dialogues), is reported to be in development.


Kannada actor [[Shivaram]] has been a part of all seven movies of Rao starring Rajkumar. When he was working with Rajkumar, Rao was introduced to Rajkumar's relative, actor [[Shringar Nagaraj]] who decided to co-produce the movie ''[[Pushpaka Vimana (1987 film)|Pushpaka Vimana]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/movieretrospect/retro_pushpakavimaanam_1988_2.php |title=Archived copy |website=Telugucinema.com |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101231015109/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/movieretrospect/retro_pushpakavimaanam_1988_2.php |archive-date=31 December 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[B. C. Gowrishankar]], a regular cameraman for Rajkumar movies, was selected as the cinematographer for Rao's later movies - ''[[Pushpaka Vimana (1987 film)|Pushpaka Vimana]]'' (1987) <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/kamal-haasan-shares-the-backstory-of-michael-madana-kama-rajan-alphonse-puthren-ecstatic-imagegallery-kollywood-vhfiwvhcfefhc.html|title=Kamal Haasan shares the backstory of Michael Madana Kama Rajan, Alphonse Puthren ecstatic 14|website=Sify.com|access-date=6 April 2022}}</ref> and ''[[Michael Madana Kama Rajan]]'' (1990) - both of which had [[Kamal Haasan]] in the lead.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.cinemaexpress.com/photos/slideshows/2019/oct/17/30-years-of-michael-madana-kama-rajan-40-facts-you-probably-didnt-know-about-the-mother-of-all-com-702.amp|title=30 Years of Michael Madana Kama Rajan: 40 facts you probably didn't know about the mother of all comedies |website=M.cinemaexpress.com|access-date=6 April 2022}}</ref> Another regular technician of Rajkumar movies - art director Peketi Ranga - was also selected as the art director for Rao's ''Michael Madana Kama Rajan''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/kamal-haasan-shares-the-backstory-of-michael-madana-kama-rajan-alphonse-puthren-ecstatic-imagegallery-kollywood-vhfiwvhcfefhc.html|title=Kamal Haasan shares the backstory of Michael Madana Kama Rajan, Alphonse Puthren ecstatic 11|website=Sify.com|access-date=6 April 2022}}</ref>
== Collaborators ==
Srinivasa Rao is particularly noted for his collaboration with two actors - [[Dr. Rajkumar]] and [[Kamal Haasan]] - which resulted in commercially successful and critically acclaimed movies. With Kamal Haasan he made films such as ''Pushpaka Vimana'' (1987), ''[[Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989 film)|Apoorva Sagodharargal]]'' (1990) and ''[[Michael Madana Kama Rajan]]'' (1991) among others,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's gems before Christ |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-singeetham-srinivasa-rao/20100907.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190828154533/https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-singeetham-srinivasa-rao/20100907.htm |archive-date=28 August 2019 |access-date=2021-01-10 |website=Rediff |language=en}}</ref> He also directed Kamal Haasan in his 100th film ''[[Raja Paarvai]]''  / ''Amavasya Chandrudu'' (1981).<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 May 2016 |title=100th film jinx grips the mighty sans 'Captain' |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/tamil-film-industry-100th-film-jinx-grips-the-mighty-sans-captain/article60380858.ece1/ |url-status=live |access-date=31 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731155413/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/tamil-film-industry-100th-film-jinx-grips-the-mighty-sans-captain/article8595803.ece/amp/ |archive-date=31 July 2022}}</ref>


He has the distinction of having directed [[Dr. Rajkumar|Rajkumar]] and all his three sons, the first director to do so. He directed Rajkumar in seven movies including his 200th movie ''[[Devatha Manushya]]''. He had directed [[Shiva Rajkumar]] and [[Raghavendra Rajkumar]] in their debut movies ''[[Anand (1986 film)|Anand]]'' and ''Chiranjeevi Sudhakara'' respectively.<ref name="m.timesofindia.com"/><ref>{{cite web|author=|url=https://www.m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know/did-you-know-all-the-three-debut-films-of-the-rajkumar-clan-were-made-by-bonafide-telugu-directors/amp_articleshow/83029782.cms |title=Did you know? All the three debut films of the Rajkumar clan were made by bonafide Telugu directors &#124; Kannada Movie News - Times of India |website=M.timesofindia.com |date=2021-05-28 |access-date=2022-04-05}}</ref> He had also directed [[Puneeth Rajkumar]] as a child artiste in ''[[Eradu Nakshatragalu]]'' in which he played dual roles.<ref>{{cite web|author=Category: Parvathamma Rajkumar Writes |url=https://www.chitraloka.com/movie-reviews/46-celebrity-writers/parvathamma-rajkumar-writes/3099-rajkumar-not-interested-in-business.html |title=Parvathamma Rajkumar Column 29 - chitraloka.com &#124; Kannada Movie News, Reviews &#124; Image |website=Chitraloka.com |date=2006-04-04 |access-date=2022-04-05}}</ref>
He directed Rajkumar in seven Kannada films in the 1980s.<ref name="The Times of India">{{Cite news |date=May 28, 2021 |title=This Day, That Year: Dr. Rajkumar's iconic 'Haalu Jenu' turns 39 &#124; Kannada Movie News |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/this-day-that-year-dr-rajkumars-iconic-haalu-jenu-turns-39/articleshow/83029396.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405154956/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/this-day-that-year-dr-rajkumars-iconic-haalu-jenu-turns-39/articleshow/83029396.cms |archive-date=5 April 2022 |access-date=2022-04-05 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> Notable among them are ''[[Haalu Jenu]]'' (1982),<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=11 May 2017 |title=ಹಾಲು ಜೇನು |url=https://www.prajavani.net/news/article/2017/05/10/490390.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115092043/https://www.prajavani.net/news/article/2017/05/10/490390.html |archive-date=15 January 2021 |access-date=14 January 2021}}</ref> ''[[Chalisuva Modagalu]]'' (1982), ''[[Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma]]'' (1986),<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=13 May 2020 |title=Five Comedies in Kannada Streaming on YouTube |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/best-of-2019/five-comedies-in-kannada-cinema-streaming-on-youtube/ |access-date=15 August 2022 |website=[[Film Companion]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220815152305/https://www.filmcompanion.in/best-of-2019/five-comedies-in-kannada-cinema-streaming-on-youtube/ |archive-date=2022-08-15}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and Rajkumar's 200th film ''[[Devatha Manushya]]'' (1988). He was also the first person to direct [[Dr. Rajkumar]] and all his three sons.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 November 2017 |title=A roller-coaster ride |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/a-roller-coaster-ride/article19981531.ece/ |url-status=live |access-date=1 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901172533/https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/a-roller-coaster-ride/article19981531.ece/amp/ |archive-date=1 September 2021}}</ref> He directed [[Shiva Rajkumar]] and [[Raghavendra Rajkumar]] in their debut movies, ''[[Anand (1986 film)|Anand]]'' (1986) and ''Chiranjeevi Sudhakara'' (1988) respectively.<ref name="The Times of India" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-28 |title=Did you know? All the three debut films of the Rajkumar clan were made by bonafide Telugu directors |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know/did-you-know-all-the-three-debut-films-of-the-rajkumar-clan-were-made-by-bonafide-telugu-directors/articleshow/83029782.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108211501/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know/did-you-know-all-the-three-debut-films-of-the-rajkumar-clan-were-made-by-bonafide-telugu-directors/articleshow/83029782.cms |archive-date=8 January 2022 |access-date=2022-04-05 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> He had also directed [[Puneeth Rajkumar]] as a child artiste in ''[[Eradu Nakshatragalu]]'' in which he played dual role.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Category: Parvathamma Rajkumar Writes |date=2006-04-04 |title=Parvathamma Rajkumar Column 29 - chitraloka.com &#124; Image |url=https://www.chitraloka.com/movie-reviews/46-celebrity-writers/parvathamma-rajkumar-writes/3099-rajkumar-not-interested-in-business.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413101435/https://www.chitraloka.com/movie-reviews/46-celebrity-writers/parvathamma-rajkumar-writes/3099-rajkumar-not-interested-in-business.html |archive-date=13 April 2021 |access-date=2022-04-05 |website=Chitraloka.com}}</ref> Most of his Kannada films were produced by [[Parvathamma Rajkumar]] whose ability to judge what would work with the audience and whose story-picking knack he believed in.<ref>{{cite web |title=Parvathamma Rajkumar nurtured Kannada cinema, female newcomers as producer and first lady of Sandalwood |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/the-godmother-is-no-more/articleshow/58933922.cms |access-date=25 September 2022 |website=[[Bangalore Mirror]]}}</ref> He was the only director to have worked with her on at least one film in each of the seven years during 1982 to 1988.<ref>[https://www.chitraloka.com/movie-reviews/46-celebrity-writers/parvathamma-rajkumar-writes/3099-rajkumar-not-interested-in-business.html Rajkumar not interested in business] chitraloka.com {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413101435/https://www.chitraloka.com/movie-reviews/46-celebrity-writers/parvathamma-rajkumar-writes/3099-rajkumar-not-interested-in-business.html |date=13 April 2021 }}</ref>


The ''Kannada Film Journalists Association'' has honoured Rao with a Special Biography. Rao received three Karnataka State Film Awards - two for Best Screenplay and one for the Best movie.<ref name=":0" />
Srinivasa Rao also collaborated with [[Nandamuri Balakrishna|Balakrishna]] in three films {{Em dash}} the science fiction film ''[[Aditya 369]]'' (1991), fantasy film ''[[Bhairava Dweepam]]'' (1994), and the mythological film ''[[Sri Krishnarjuna Vijayam]]'' (1996).<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |date=27 June 2019 |title=Nandamuri Balakrishna pays a visit to veteran filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao in Chennai |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/nandamuri-balakrishna-pays-a-visit-to-veteran-filmmaker-singeetham-srinivasa-rao-in-chennai/articleshow/69969838.cms |access-date=2022-09-23 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":14">{{Cite web |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |date=2019-06-27 |title=Nandamuri Balakrishna visits veteran director ! |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/270619/nandamuri-balakrishna-visits-veteran-director.html |access-date=2022-09-23 |website=Deccan Chronicle |language=en}}</ref> ''Aditya 369'' and ''Bhairava Dweepam'' are considered landmark films in [[Science fiction film|science fiction]] and [[Fantasy film|fantasy]] genres respectively in [[Telugu cinema]].<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":8" /><ref name=":02" /><ref name=":42" /> He directed [[Rajendra Prasad (actor)|Rajendra Prasad]] in two films {{Em dash}} ''Brundavanam'' (1992) and  ''[[Madam (1994 film)|Madam]]'' (1994). Both were commercially successful.


For seven years (from 1982 to 1988), Rao directed 14 movies of which 9 were in Kannada - all of which were produced under the guidance of ace Kannada producer [[Parvathamma Rajkumar]]. All the movies were critically well received as well as commercially a huge success. Of the seven movies Rao directed with Rajkumar in lead roles, four movies were remade in Telugu. Singeetam's association with Rajkumar was a rare one where he not only directed cult classics and landmark movies but also co-wrote screenplay and composed music for movies produced by the actor even though they were not directed by him. This stands as a testimony for the faith Rajkumar had in the abilities of Rao and the admiration Rao had for Rajkumar. In 1988, when Rajkumar announced his desire to temporarily retire from acting, Singeetam decided to concentrate on Tamil movies where he mostly had [[Kamal Haasan]] in the lead roles.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3vQtDwAAQBAJ&q=Singeetam+and+kannada+actor+Rajkumar+relationship&pg=PT117 |title=Bipolar Identity: Region, Nation, and the Kannada Language Film |isbn=9780199088430 |last1=k Raghavendra |first1=M. |date=22 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://oxford.universitypressscholarship.com/view/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198071587.001.0001/acprof-9780198071587-chapter-3 |doi=10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198071587.003.0003 |chapter=Vestiges of Mysore |title=Bipolar Identity |year=2011 |last1=Raghavendra |first1=M.K. |pages=73–98 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-807158-7}}</ref>
Kannada actor [[Shivaram]] has been a part of all seven movies of Srinivasa Rao starring Rajkumar. [[B. C. Gowrishankar]], a regular cameraman for Rajkumar movies, was selected as the cinematographer for Srinivasa Rao's later movies - ''Pushpaka Vimana'' <ref>{{Cite web |title=Kamal Haasan shares the backstory of Michael Madana Kama Rajan, Alphonse Puthren ecstatic 14 |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/kamal-haasan-shares-the-backstory-of-michael-madana-kama-rajan-alphonse-puthren-ecstatic-imagegallery-kollywood-vhfiwvhcfefhc.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706101800/https://www.sify.com/movies/kamal-haasan-shares-the-backstory-of-michael-madana-kama-rajan-alphonse-puthren-ecstatic-imagegallery-kollywood-vhfiwvhcfefhc.html |archive-date=6 July 2021 |access-date=6 April 2022 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> and ''Michael Madana Kama Rajan''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=30 Years of Michael Madana Kama Rajan: 40 facts you probably didn't know about the mother of all comedies |url=https://m.cinemaexpress.com/photos/slideshows/2019/oct/17/30-years-of-michael-madana-kama-rajan-40-facts-you-probably-didnt-know-about-the-mother-of-all-com-702.amp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220109063458/https://m.cinemaexpress.com/photos/slideshows/2019/oct/17/30-years-of-michael-madana-kama-rajan-40-facts-you-probably-didnt-know-about-the-mother-of-all-com-702.amp |archive-date=9 January 2022 |access-date=6 April 2022 |website=[[Cinema Express]]|date=October 2019 }}</ref> Another regular technician of Rajkumar movies - art director Peketi Ranga - was also selected as the art director for Srinivasa Rao's ''Michael Madana Kama Rajan''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kamal Haasan shares the backstory of Michael Madana Kama Rajan, Alphonse Puthren ecstatic 11 |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/kamal-haasan-shares-the-backstory-of-michael-madana-kama-rajan-alphonse-puthren-ecstatic-imagegallery-kollywood-vhfiwvhcfefhc.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706101800/https://www.sify.com/movies/kamal-haasan-shares-the-backstory-of-michael-madana-kama-rajan-alphonse-puthren-ecstatic-imagegallery-kollywood-vhfiwvhcfefhc.html |archive-date=6 July 2021 |access-date=6 April 2022 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref>


===Lyricist and Composer===
== Influences ==
His favourite litterateurs are [[Vemana]], [[Mark Twain]], and [[P. G. Wodehouse]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Kamath |first=Sudhish |date=17 August 2012 |title=Robinhood is my hero: Singeetham Srinivasa Rao |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/robinhood-is-my-hero-singeetham-srinivasa-rao/article3784868.ece |url-status=live |access-date=4 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015064623/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/robinhood-is-my-hero-singeetham-srinivasa-rao/article3784868.ece |archive-date=15 October 2013}}</ref> He feels no one has expressed the truths of everyday life better than Vemana. He was introduced to Mark Twain by an American missionary when he was eight. He considers [[Robin Hood]] to be his favourite hero of fiction.<ref name=":4" />


He composed lyrics for films like ''[[Bhairava Dweepam]]'' (1994) and soundtracks for few Kannada films. He edited many magazines in Telugu such as ''Bharati'', and scripted plays like ''Brahma'', ''Antya Ghattam'', and ''Chitrārjuna''. ''Chitrārjuna'' was also translated into English, and was telecasted in American Television.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2010/aug/31/bollywood-jesus-christ-film-israel |title=Pawan Kalyan to star in Bollywood film of Christ's life |work=the Guardian |date=31 August 2010}}</ref> A disciple of legendary composer [[S. Rajeswara Rao]], he has also composed music for 2 Kannada movies of matinee idol [[Dr. Rajkumar|Rajkumar]]'s banner - ''[[Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma]]'' (which was directed by him) and ''[[Samyuktha]]'' - (which was not directed by him).
== Legacy ==
Singeetam Srinivasa Rao is widely regarded as one of India's most versatile and innovative filmmakers.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":7" /> He is acclaimed for revolutionizing [[Cinema of South India|South Indian cinema]] through his [[Experimental film|experimental approach]]. Notable for his contributions to the [[Science fiction film|science fiction]] and [[Fantasy film|fantasy]] genres, ''[[Aditya 369]]'' and ''[[Bhairava Dweepam]]'' are celebrated as landmark films within Telugu cinema.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":8" /><ref name=":02" /><ref name=":42" />


=== Film craft and Innovative cinema ===
[[Prasanth Varma]] has cited Singeetam as his primary inspiration, particularly admiring his ability to create a diverse body of work without repeating himself.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dundoo |first=Sangeetha Devi |date=2023-05-11 |title=Director Prasanth Varma: I sought Rajamouli's advice for 'Hanu-Man' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/director-prasanth-varma-i-sought-rajamoulis-advice-for-hanu-man/article66772806.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114101731/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/director-prasanth-varma-i-sought-rajamoulis-advice-for-hanu-man/article66772806.ece |archive-date=14 January 2024 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Similarly, [[Nag Ashwin]] has expressed admiration for ''Bhairava Dweepam'' and ''Aditya 369'', considering them among his favourite films.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-18 |title=Nag Ashwin – Kalki 2898 AD is like the climax of all Indian epics |url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/nag-ashwin-kalki-2898-ad-is-like-the-climax-of-all-indian-epics.html |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=123Telugu.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-19 |title=Kalki 2898 AD: Director Nag Ashwin Says He Took Five Years to Write The Story |url=https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!entertainment/kalki-2898-ad-it-took-five-years-to-write-the-story-says-director-nag-ashwin-enn24061906753 |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=ETV Bharat News |language=en}}</ref>
[[File:In conversation with Director Singeetam Srinivasa Rao at the 46th International Film Festival of India (IFFI-2015), in Panaji, Goa on November 25, 2015.jpg|thumb|right|225px|Rao (right) at [[International Film Festival of India|IFFI]] [[46th International Film Festival of India|2015]] ]]
The 1984 Telugu [[biographical film|biographical]] [[dance film]], ''[[Mayuri (film)|Mayuri]]'', which won the ''National Film Award – Special Mention (Feature Film)'', was premiered at the 1985 International Film Festival of India, has also received several state Awards, including the State Nandi Award for Best Feature Film, and Filmfare Award South for Best Direction.<ref name="Directorate of Film Festival"/> The film was later remade into Hindi as ''[[Naache Mayuri]]''.


In 1988, he co-produced, scripted and directed the first Indian silent film, ''[[Pushpaka Vimana (1987 film)|Pushpaka Vimana]]'' premiered at [[Cannes Film Festival]], and has received the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, [[Filmfare Award for Best Film – Kannada|Filmfare Award South for Best Film]], and several International honors, including special mention at [[Shanghai Film Festival]].<ref>[http://www.the-nri.com/index.php/2011/01/profile-singeetham-srinivasa-rao/] {{dead link|date=April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/starsprofile/Singeetam.php/|title=Sri Singeetam Srinivas Rao Profile|website=Telugucinema.com|access-date=6 April 2022}}</ref> The film was listed among [[CNN-IBN]]'s ''hundred greatest Indian films of all time''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/photogallery/13200.html |title=100 Years of Indian Cinema: The 100 greatest Indian films of all time |date=24 April 2013 |website= |access-date=6 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424003536/http://ibnlive.in.com/photogallery/13200.html |archive-date=24 April 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
== Accolades ==
The [[comedy-drama]] blockbuster ''[[Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989 film)|Apoorva Sagodharargal]]'' was one of the enduring works on [[List of Dwarfism media depictions|dwarfism in popular media]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/singeetam-reveals-secret-behind-kamals-dwarf-role/article1311684.ece |title=Singeetam reveals secret behind Kamal's dwarf role |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=10 August 2008}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/30-years-of-kamal-haasans-apoorva-sagodargal-singeetam-srinivasa-rao-recalls-the-journey/article26829544.ece |title=Why Kamal Haasan's 'Apoorva Sagodharargal' is 30-years-young |last=S |first=Srivatsan |date=13 April 2019 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=2019-04-15 |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The film won the [[Filmfare Award for Best Film – Tamil]], and was premiered at the [[International Film Festival of India]].
In 2010, Srinivasa Rao headed the Jury of the Indian Panorama at the 8th Chennai International Film Festival.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Chennai International Film Festival opens |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Chennai-International-Film-Festival-opens/articleshow/7108485.cms |url-status=live |access-date=5 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151221022205/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Chennai-International-Film-Festival-opens/articleshow/7108485.cms |archive-date=21 December 2015}}</ref> In 2011, Srinivasa Rao received the Life Achievement Award from the [[Film Federation of India]] at the 4th ''Global Film Festival''.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |date=19 November 2011 |title=Singeetam Srinivas Rao to be awarded Life-time Achievement by FFI |url=http://www.ragalahari.com/tollywood-news-2011-november/13017/ffi-to-give-life-time-award-for-singeetam-srinivas-rao |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920040812/https://www1.ragalahari.com/tollywood-news-2011-november/13017/ffi-to-give-life-time-award-for-singeetam-srinivas-rao |archive-date=20 September 2021 |access-date=6 April 2022 |website=Ragalahari.com}}</ref> Srinivasa Rao was also the Guest of honor alongside [[Barrie Osbourne]] at the ''Media and Entertainment Business Conclave 2012'' hosted by [[FICCI]] and FFI.<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 October 2012 |title=Stalwarts to zoom in on creative, commercial secrets of celluloid |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/stalwarts-to-zoom-in-on-creative-commercial-secrets-of-celluloid/article3959847.ece |url-status=live |access-date=5 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214060159/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/stalwarts-to-zoom-in-on-creative-commercial-secrets-of-celluloid/article3959847.ece |archive-date=14 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=FICCI to celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/ficci-to-celebrate-100-years-of-indian-cinema/297311-60-120.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007062718/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/ficci-to-celebrate-100-years-of-indian-cinema/297311-60-120.html |archive-date=2014-10-07 |publisher=CNN-IBN}}</ref> In 2012, Srinivasa Rao served as one of the selection committee members for the [[Sundance Institute]]'s screenwriters lab.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eight Feature Film Projects Selected For First-Ever Mumbai Mantra - Sundance Institute Screenwriters Lab |url=http://www.sundance.org/festival/release/eight-feature-film-projects-selected-for-first-ever-mumbai-mantra-sundance-/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006085055/http://www.sundance.org/festival/release/eight-feature-film-projects-selected-for-first-ever-mumbai-mantra-sundance-/ |archive-date=6 October 2014 |access-date=6 April 2022 |website=Sundance.org}}</ref>


The Telugu Crossover cinema like ''[[America Ammayi (film)|America Ammayi]]'', and ''[[America Abbayi]]'', were box office hits. The 1990 [[action comedy]], ''[[Michael Madana Kama Rajan]]'' became an instant hit at the box office. The [[Science fantasy]] in Telugu ''[[Aditya 369]]'' was the highest grossing Telugu film of 1991, grossing {{INRConvert|90|m}} at the box office. A sequel, entitled ''Aditya 999'', was delayed indefinitely in July 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gulte.com/movienews/50573/Thats-Why-Balayya-Delayed-Aditya-999 |title=That's Why Balayya Delayed Aditya 999 |author=Staff Writer |date=17 July 2016 |website=Gulte}}</ref> Another science fantasy in Tamil, ''[[Chinna Vathiyar]]'' was also an instant hit. The 1994, folklore ''[[Bhairava Dweepam]]'' garnered the state [[Nandi Award for Best Director|Nandi Award for Best Direction]].
;19th [[Chennai International Film Festival]]
* Life Time Achievement Award (2021)


== Awards ==
;[[Film Federation of India]]
;[[Film Federation of India]]
* Life Time Achievement Award
* Life Time Achievement Award (2011)


;[[National Film Awards]]
;[[National Film Awards]]


* [[21st National Film Awards|1973]] - [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil]]  - ''[[Dikkatra Parvathi]]''
* [[21st National Film Awards|1973]] - [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil]]  - ''[[Dikkatra Parvathi]]<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 June 2014 |title=Four decades later, a flashback |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/four-decades-later-a-flashback/article6156199.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116065511/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/four-decades-later-a-flashback/article6156199.ece |archive-date=16 January 2021 |access-date=4 October 2014 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>''
* [[35th National Film Awards|1988]] - [[National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment]] - ''[[Pushpaka Vimana (1987 film)|Pushpaka Vimana]]''
* [[35th National Film Awards|1988]] - [[National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment]] - (Kannada) - ''[[Pushpaka Vimana (1987 film)|Pushpaka Vimana]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=35th National Film Festival, 1988 |url=http://dff.nic.in/2011/35th_nff_1988.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004082428/http://dff.nic.in/2011/35th_nff_1988.pdf |archive-date=4 October 2011 |access-date=15 September 2012 |publisher=[[Directorate of Film Festivals]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title='Pushpak' completes 25 years: Tinnu Anand, Amala go down memory lane |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/pushpak-completes-25-years-tinnu-anand-amala-go-down-memory-lane/292212-61.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140904000506/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/pushpak-completes-25-years-tinnu-anand-amala-go-down-memory-lane/292212-61.html |archive-date=2014-09-04 |publisher=CNN-IBN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sakhya Indian Cinema Club: Pushpaka Vimana (The Love Chariot) |url=http://www.gradunion.cam.ac.uk/events/sakhya-indian-cinema-club-pushpaka-vimana-the-love-chariot/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006065815/http://www.gradunion.cam.ac.uk/events/sakhya-indian-cinema-club-pushpaka-vimana-the-love-chariot/ |archive-date=6 October 2014 |website=Graduate Union}}</ref>


;[[Nandi Awards]]<ref>{{cite web |date=2010-03-13 |title=నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964 - 2008) |trans-title=A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964 - 2008) |url=http://ipr.ap.nic.in/New_Links/Film.pdf |access-date=3 January 2021 |publisher=[[Andhra Pradesh (magazine)|Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh]] |language=te}}</ref>
;[[Nandi Awards]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-03-13 |title=నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964 - 2008) |trans-title=A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964 - 2008) |url=http://ipr.ap.nic.in/New_Links/Film.pdf |access-date=3 January 2021 |work=[[Andhra Pradesh (magazine)|Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh]] |language=te |archive-date=23 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223135739/http://ipr.ap.nic.in/New_Links/Film.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
* 1985 - [[Nandi Award for Best Screenplay Writer|Best Screenplay Writer]] - ''[[Mayuri (film)|Mayuri]]''
* 1985 - [[Nandi Award for Best Screenplay Writer|Best Screenplay Writer]] - ''[[Mayuri (film)|Mayuri]]''
* 1985 - [[Nandi Award for Best Director|Best Director]] - ''[[Mayuri (film)|Mayuri]]''
* 1985 - [[Nandi Award for Best Director|Best Director]] - ''[[Mayuri (film)|Mayuri]]''
* 1992 - [[Nandi Award for Best Screenplay Writer|Best Screenplay Writer]] - ''[[Brundavanam]]''
* 1992 - [[Nandi Award for Best Screenplay Writer|Best Screenplay Writer]] - ''[[Brundavanam]]''
* 1994 - [[Nandi Award for Best Director|Best Director]] - ''[[Bhairava Dweepam]]''
* 1994 - [[Nandi Award for Best Director|Best Director]] - ''[[Bhairava Dweepam]]''
* 2012 - [[BN Reddy National Award]] for Life Time Achievement<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/spb-hema-malini-bag-ntr-awards/article17821614.ece |title=S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, Hema Malini bag NTR awards |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=5 April 2017}}</ref>
* 2012 - [[BN Reddy National Award]] for Life Time Achievement<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 April 2017 |title=S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, Hema Malini bag NTR awards |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/spb-hema-malini-bag-ntr-awards/article17821614.ece |access-date=5 April 2017 |archive-date=5 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405062557/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/spb-hema-malini-bag-ntr-awards/article17821614.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>


;[[Karnataka State Film Awards]]
;[[Karnataka State Film Awards]]
Line 79: Line 124:
* 1974 - [[Filmfare Award for Best Film – Tamil]] -  ''[[Dikkatra Parvathi]]''<ref name=":0" />
* 1974 - [[Filmfare Award for Best Film – Tamil]] -  ''[[Dikkatra Parvathi]]''<ref name=":0" />
* 1985 - [[Filmfare Best Director Award (Telugu)]] -  ''[[Mayuri (film)|Mayuri]]''
* 1985 - [[Filmfare Best Director Award (Telugu)]] -  ''[[Mayuri (film)|Mayuri]]''
* 1987 - [[Filmfare Award for Best Director - Kannada]] - ''[[Pushpaka Vimana (1987 film)|Pushpaka Vimana]]''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://archive.org/details/35thAnnualFilmfareAwardsSouthWinners |title=35th Annual Filmfare Awards South Winners : Santosh : Free Download &… |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170205141932/https://archive.org/details/35thAnnualFilmfareAwardsSouthWinners |archive-date=5 February 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* 1987 - [[Filmfare Award for Best Director - Kannada]] - ''[[Pushpaka Vimana (1987 film)|Pushpaka Vimana]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=35th Annual Filmfare Awards South Winners : Santosh : Free Download &… |url=https://archive.org/details/35thAnnualFilmfareAwardsSouthWinners |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170205141932/https://archive.org/details/35thAnnualFilmfareAwardsSouthWinners |archive-date=5 February 2017}}</ref>


== Filmography ==
== Filmography ==
 
{{Main|Singeetam Srinivasa Rao filmography}}
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Year
!Film
!Language
!Director
!Producer
!Writer
!Notes
|-
| 1972 || ''[[Neeti-Nijayiti]]'' || Telugu ||{{Yes}} ||  || ||Directorial debut in [[Telugu cinema]]
|-
| 1974 || ''[[Dikkatra Parvathi]]'' || Tamil || {{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} || Directorial debut in [[Tamil cinema]]<br />[[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil]]<br />[[Filmfare Award for Best Film - Tamil]]
|-
| 1977 || ''Zamindharugari Ammayi'' || Telugu ||{{Yes}} ||  || ||
|-
| 1976 || ''Oka Deepam Veligindhi'' || Telugu ||{{Yes}} ||  || ||
|-
| 1976 || ''[[America Ammayi (film)|America Ammayi]]'' || Telugu ||{{Yes}} || {{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} ||
|-
| 1977 || ''[[Tharam Marindi]]'' || Telugu ||{{Yes}} || {{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} || Nandi Award For Best Feature Film
|-
| 1977 || ''Andhame Anandham'' || Telugu ||{{Yes}} || {{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} ||
|-
| 1977 || ''[[Pantulamma]]'' || Telugu ||{{Yes}} ||{{Yes}}  ||{{Yes}} || Also actor
|-
| 1977 || ''Niraparayum Nilavilakkum'' || Malayalam || {{Yes}} || || || Directorial debut in [[Malayalam cinema]].
|-
| 1978 || ''[[Sommokadidi Sokokadidi]]'' || Telugu || {{Yes}} || ||{{Yes}} || Starring [[Kamal Haasan]]
|-
| 1978 || ''Raamachilaka'' || Telugu ||{{Yes}}  || || ||
|-
| 1978 || ''Gammathu Goodacharulu''|| Telugu || {{Yes}} || || ||
|-
| 1979 || ''Mangala Thoranalu'' || Telugu ||{{Yes}} ||  || ||
|-
| 1980 || ''Thriloka Sundhari'' || Telugu || {{Yes}} || || ||
|-
| 1980 || ''Gandhara Golam'' || Telugu || {{Yes}} || || ||
|-
| 1981 || ''[[Raja Paarvai]]'' <br />''Amavasya Chandrudu'' || Tamil<br />Telugu||{{Yes}} ||  || || Starring [[Kamal Haasan]]
|-
| 1981 || ''Jai Gantalu'' || Telugu || {{Yes}} || || ||
|-
| 1982 || ''Thrilok Sundhari'' || Hindi || {{Yes}} || || ||
|-
| 1982 || ''[[Haalu Jenu]]'' || Kannada ||{{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} || Directorial debut in Kannada <br />[[Karnataka State Film Award for Best Film]] <br /> Starring [[Dr. Rajkumar|Rajkumar]]
|-
| 1982 || ''[[Chalisuva Modagalu]]'' || Kannada ||{{Yes}} ||  || {{Yes}} || Starring [[Dr. Rajkumar|Rajkumar]]
|-
| 1983 || ''[[Eradu Nakshatragalu]]'' || Kannada || {{Yes}} ||  ||{{Yes}} || Starring [[Dr. Rajkumar|Rajkumar]] and [[Puneeth Rajkumar]]
|-
| 1984 || ''[[Shravana Banthu]]'' || Kannada || {{Yes}} ||  || || Starring [[Dr. Rajkumar|Rajkumar]]
|-
| 1984 || ''Sangeeta Samrat'' || Telugu || {{Yes}} ||  || ||
|-
| 1984 || ''[[Mayuri (film)|Mayuri]]'' || Telugu || {{Yes}} || ||{{Yes}} || Nandi Award for Best Feature Film<br />Filmfare Award South For Best Direction<br />Nandi Award for Best Screenplay
|-
| 1985 || ''[[Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma]]'' || Kannada || {{Yes}} ||  ||  || [[Karnataka State Film Award for Best Screenplay]]<br />Also Music director<br /> Starring [[Dr. Rajkumar|Rajkumar]]
|-
| 1985 || ''[[Jwaalamukhi]]'' || Kannada || {{Yes}} ||  ||{{Yes}} || Starring [[Dr. Rajkumar|Rajkumar]]
|-
| 1986 || ''[[Anand (1986 film)|Anand]]'' || Kannada || {{Yes}} || ||{{Yes}} || [[Karnataka State Film Award for Best Screenplay]]<br /> Starring [[Shiva Rajkumar]] in his debut
|-
| 1986 || ''[[Naache Mayuri]]'' || Hindi || ||  ||{{Yes}} ||
|-
| 1987 || ''[[America Abbayi]]'' || Telugu || {{Yes}} || || {{Yes}} ||
|-
| 1987 || ''[[Shruthi Seridaaga]]'' || Kannada || || || {{Yes}} || Co-screenplay writer <br /> Starring [[Dr. Rajkumar|Rajkumar]]
|-
| 1987 || ''[[Pushpaka Vimana (1987 film)|Pushpaka Vimana]]'' || Kannada || {{Yes}} ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}} ||[[National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment]]<br />[[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Kannada]]<br /> Starring [[Kamal Haasan]]
|-
| 1988 || ''[[Devatha Manushya]]'' || Kannada || {{Yes}} || || || Starring [[Dr. Rajkumar|Rajkumar]] ( his 200th movie)
|-
| 1988 || ''Chiranjeevi Sudhakara'' || Kannada || {{Yes}} || || || Starring [[Raghavendra Rajkumar]] in his debut
|-
| 1988 || ''[[Samyuktha]]'' || Kannada ||  || ||{{Yes}} || Co-Screenplay writer and Music Director<br /> Starring [[Shiva Rajkumar]]
|-
| 1989 || ''[[Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989 film)|Apoorva Sagodharargal]]'' || Tamil || {{Yes}} || || || Starring [[Kamal Haasan]]
|-
| 1990 || ''[[Michael Madana Kama Rajan]]''|| Tamil || {{Yes}} || || || Starring [[Kamal Haasan]]
|-
| 1991 || ''[[Aditya 369]]'' || Telugu ||{{Yes}} || ||{{Yes}} || Starring [[Nandamuri Balakrishna]]
|-
| 1992 || ''Ksheera Sagara'' || Kannada || {{Yes}} || || {{Yes}} || Starring [[Kumar Bangarappa]]
|-
| 1992 || ''[[Belliyappa Bangarappa]]'' || Kannada ||  ||  || {{Yes}} || Starring [[Kumar Bangarappa]]
|-
| 1992 || ''[[Brundavanam]]'' || Telugu || {{Yes}} || || ||Nandi Award for Best Screenplay
|-
| 1993 || ''[[Phool (1993 film)|Phool]]'' || Hindi ||{{Yes}} ||  ||{{Yes}} ||
|-
| 1994 || ''[[Madam (1994 film)|Madam]]'' || Telugu || {{Yes}} || || {{Yes}} ||
|-
| 1994 || ''[[Magalir Mattum (1994 film)|Magalir Mattum]]'' || Tamil || {{Yes}} || || ||
|-
| 1994 || ''[[Bhairava Dweepam]]'' || Telugu|| {{Yes}} || || {{Yes}} || [[Nandi Award for Best Director]]<br />[[Nandi Award for Best Feature Film]]<br />Also Lyric writer for ''Virisinadhi Vasantha Gaanam''<br /> Starring [[Nandamuri Balakrishna]]
|-
| 1995 || ''[[Chinna Vathiyar]]'' || Tamil || {{Yes}} || || ||
|-
| 1996 || ''[[Shri Krishnarjuna Vijayam]]'' || Telugu ||{{Yes}} ||  || {{Yes}} || Starring [[Nandamuri Balakrishna]]
|-
| 1998||  ''Raja Hamsa'' || Telugu || {{Yes}} ||  || {{Yes}} ||
|-
| 1998 || ''[[Kaathala Kaathala]]'' ||Tamil|| {{Yes}} || || || Starring [[Kamal Haasan]]
|-
| 1999||  ''[[Tuvvi Tuvvi Tuvvi]]'' || Kannada|| {{Yes}} ||  || || Starring [[Raghavendra Rajkumar]]
|-
| 2001 || ''[[Little John (film)|Little John]]'' || English<br />Hindi<br />Tamil|| {{Yes}} || ||{{Yes}} ||
|-
| 2001 || ''[[Akasa Veedhilo]]'' || Telugu ||{{Yes}} ||  ||{{Yes}} ||
|-
| 2002 || ''[[Make-up (2002 film)|Make-up]]'' || Kannada || {{Yes}} || || || Starring [[Jaggesh]]
|-
| 2003 || ''[[Vijayam (film)|Vijayam]]'' || Telugu ||{{Yes}} ||  || ||
|-
| 2003 || ''[[Son of Aladdin]]'' || English || {{Yes}} ||  ||{{Yes}}|| Special Mention in the Competition section at the 2003 International Children's Film Festival
|-
| 2005 || ''[[Mumbai Xpress]]'' || Hindi<br />Tamil || {{Yes}} ||  || || Starring [[Kamal Haasan]]
|-
| 2008 || ''[[Ghatothkach]]'' || Hindi ||{{Yes}} || ||{{Yes}} || Animation Film
|-
| 2010 || ''[[Varudu]]'' || Telugu||  ||  || ||Actor
|-
| 2013 || ''Chinni Chinni Aasa'' || Telugu||  ||  || ||Actor
|-
| 2013 || ''[[Welcome Obama]]'' || Telugu|| {{Yes}} ||  ||{{Yes}} || Remake of Marathi movie ''[[Mala Aai Vhhaychy!]]''
|-
|2015|| ''[[Kanche]]'' || Telugu ||  ||  || || Actor
|}


== References ==
== References ==
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{{Singeetam Srinivasa Rao}}
{{Singeetam Srinivasa Rao}}
{{FilmfareAwardBestTeluguDirector}}
{{FilmfareAwardBestTeluguDirector}}
{{Filmfare Award for Best Director - Kannada}}
{{India Animation Industry}}
{{India Animation Industry}}


Line 230: Line 146:
[[Category:1931 births]]
[[Category:1931 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Telugu people]]
[[Category:Film directors from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Film directors from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Telugu film directors]]
[[Category:Telugu film directors]]
Line 241: Line 156:
[[Category:Filmfare Awards South winners]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards South winners]]
[[Category:Nandi Award winners]]
[[Category:Nandi Award winners]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian film directors]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian film directors]]
[[Category:Telugu film producers]]
[[Category:Telugu film producers]]
[[Category:Film producers from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Film producers from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Kannada screenwriters]]
[[Category:Kannada screenwriters]]
[[Category:Telugu screenwriters]]
[[Category:Telugu screenwriters]]
[[Category:Hindi screenwriters]]
[[Category:Hindi-language screenwriters]]
[[Category:Hindi-language Indian writers]]
[[Category:Producers who won the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment National Film Award]]
[[Category:Tamil screenwriters]]
[[Category:Tamil screenwriters]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian dramatists and playwrights]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian dramatists and playwrights]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian dramatists and playwrights]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian dramatists and playwrights]]
[[Category:People from Nellore district]]
[[Category:People from Nellore district]]
[[Category:Directors who won the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment National Film Award]]
[[Category:Screenwriters from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Screenwriters from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Silent film directors]]
[[Category:Indian science fiction film directors]]
[[Category:Producers who won the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment National Film Award]]
[[Category:Action film directors]]
[[Category:Directors who won the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment National Film Award]]
[[Category:Indian comedy film directors]]

Latest revision as of 16:37, 25 March 2026


In this article, the surname is Singeetam.
Singeetam Srinivasa Rao
Born (1931-09-21) 21 September 1931 (age 94)
Gudur, Madras Presidency, British India (now Andhra Pradesh, India)
Alma materUniversity of Madras
Occupation
  • Film director
  • screenwriter
  • producer
  • composer
  • actor
Notable work
Full list
AwardsNational Film Awards
Nandi Awards
Filmfare Awards South
Karnataka State Film Awards

Singeetam Srinivasa Rao (born 21 September 1931)[1] is an Indian film director, screenwriter, producer, composer, and actor. He is widely regarded as one of India's most versatile and innovative filmmakers.[2][3] He has directed around sixty films across multiple genres and languages, including Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Hindi, and English and is credited with revolutionizing South Indian cinema through his experimental approach. He has garnered numerous accolades throughout his career, including two National Film Awards, five Nandi Awards, three Karnataka State Film Awards, and three Filmfare Awards South. In 2011, he was honoured with the Life Achievement Award by the Film Federation of India.

Srinivasa Rao began his career as an assistant to the esteemed director K. V. Reddy, working on iconic films such as Mayabazar (1957) and Jagadeka Veeruni Katha (1961). He made his directorial debut with the Telugu film Neethi Nijayithi (1972), and subsequently directed critically acclaimed social problem films like Dikkatra Parvathi (1974), which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil, and Tharam Marindi (1977), which won Nandi Award for Best Feature Film.

He went on to direct notable films like Panthulamma (1978), Mayuri (1985), Anand (1986), Pushpaka Vimana (1987), Aditya 369 (1991), Brundavanam (1992), Magalir Mattum (1994), Bhairava Dweepam (1994), Madam (1994), and Son of Aladdin (2003). Mayuri won a record 14 Nandi Awards, while Pushpaka Vimana, a dialogue-less film, earned the National Film Award for Best Popular Film. Aditya 369 and Bhairava Dweepam are considered landmark films in the science fiction and fantasy genres, respectively, within Telugu cinema.

Srinivasa Rao is also known for his collaborations with actors Rajkumar and Kamal Haasan, which resulted in several commercially successful and critically acclaimed films. With Kamal Haasan, he worked on films such as Sommokadidhi Sokokadidihi (1979), Raja Paarvai / Amavasya Chandrudu (1981), Pushpaka Vimana (1987), Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989) and Michael Madana Kama Rajan (1990). His collaboration with Rajkumar produced films like Haalu Jenu (1982), Chalisuva Modagalu (1982), Eradu Nakshatragalu (1983), and Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma (1986).

In February 2026, veteran filmmaker Singeetam Srinivasa Rao announced his return to directing with a new project, provisionally titled SSR61, marking his first film in ten years.[4]

Early life[edit | edit source]

Singeetam Srinivasa Rao was born on 21 September 1931 in a Telugu family in Gudur of then Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. His father, Ramachandra Rao, was a headmaster and his mother, Sakunthala Bai, was a violinist.[5] As a school student, he showed glimpses of talent both in plays and music. He graduated with a Physics Degree from Presidency College, Chennai.[6][7] In college, he honed his skills in plays such as Windows under Harindranath Chattopadhyay.[5]

Career[edit | edit source]

Early career[edit | edit source]

After graduation his ambition was to get into films. As his attempts to meet the director K. V. Reddy failed, he took up the job of a teacher in Sullurupeta.[5] But he continued writing and wrote two experimental award-winning plays Bhrama and Anthyaghattam. He also wrote Chitrarjuna, a musical play adopted from Tagore's Chitra - Prince of the Dark Chamber. It was translated into English by Scottish dramatist Tom Buchan for an American television channel. He also worked as a journalist at the time writing for Telugu Swatantra.[5][7]

Telugu cinema[edit | edit source]

Main article: Telugu cinema

He continued his efforts to meet his favourite director K. V. Reddy and in 1954 he was finally able to meet him. K. V. Reddy gave him a copy of The Monkey's Paw and asked him to write a script based on it. Srinivasa Rao wrote the script along with dialogues in three months. K. V. Reddy was impressed and took him as an apprentice.[5] He later graduated as an associate director under K. V. Reddy and worked with him for all his films from Donga Ramudu (1955) until Uma Chandi Gowri Sankarula Katha (1968) including Mayabazar (1957), Jagadeka Veeruni Katha (1961), Sri Krishnarjuna Yuddham (1963).[8]

In 1972, Srinivasa Rao ventured into film direction with Neethi Nijayithi, an offbeat Telugu film. The film won critical acclaim but was not commercially successful.[5] He then directed the social problem film Tharam Marindi (1977) which won the Nandi Award for Best Feature Film.[9]

He made other successful Telugu films like Zamindaru gari Ammayi (1975), America Ammayi (1976), Panthulamma (1978), Sommokadidhi Sokokadidhi (1979), Mayuri (1985), America Abbayi (1987), Aditya 369 (1991), Brundavanam (1992), Bhairava Dweepam (1994), Madam (1994). Mayuri won a record 14 Nandi Awards including the Nandi Award for Best Feature Film.[10][11] Srinivasa Rao won the Nandi Award for Best Screenplay Writer for Brundavanam and the Nandi Award for Best Director for Bhairava Dweepam. Aditya 369 and Bhairava Dweepam are considered classic films in science fiction and fantasy genres respectively in Telugu cinema.[12][13][14][15]

He made over half of his films in Telugu. He directed nearly 30 Telugu films across genres. His most recent film was Welcome Obama (2013). The story deals with commercial surrogacy in India where women are used as surrogates by foreigners and tells the story of one such surrogate mother who bears a foreigner's child.[1]

He is also roped in as a mentor for the upcoming Telugu science fiction film Project K. Made at an estimated budget of ₹600 crore, it is one of the most expensive Indian films ever made. Srinivasa Rao gave his inputs and opinion on the film's script as a part of the mentorship.[16]

Kannada cinema[edit | edit source]

Srinivasa Rao was the executive director of the 1970 Kannada movie Samskara directed by Pattabhirama Reddy. It won the President's gold medal for National Film Award for Best Feature Film.[2] Singeetam made his Kannada directorial debut with the 1982 blockbuster Haalu Jenu starring Rajkumar. He went on to direct six more Kannada blockbusters with Rajkumar - Chalisuva Modagalu (1982), Eradu Nakshatragalu (1983), Shravana Banthu (1984), Jwaalamukhi (1985), Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma (1986) and Devatha Manushya (1988). Two of these were based on novels. He was selected to direct the historical Amoghavarsha Nrupathunga which was supposed to be Rajkumar's 200th movie but eventually dropped.[17] However, he subsequently went on to direct Devatha Manushya (1988) which happened to be Rajkumar's 200th film.

His other popular Kannada directorial films include Anand (1986) and Chiranjeevi Sudhakara (1988) apart from Ksheera Sagara (1992), Tuvvi Tuvvi Tuvvi (1999) and Makeup (2002) in the latter part of his career. He co-wrote the screenplay for two Kannada movies produced by Rajkumar's banner that were not directed by him - Shruthi Seridaaga (1987) and Samyuktha (1988). He was also the script-writer of Belliyappa Bangarappa (1992). A disciple of legendary composer S. Rajeswara Rao, he has composed music for two Kannada films - Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma and Samyuktha.[18]

Most of the films he directed in Kannada were produced by Parvathamma Rajkumar and all were critically and commercially successful. Of the seven films Srinivasa Rao directed with Rajkumar in lead roles, four movies were remade in Telugu. Singeetam's association with Rajkumar was a rare one where he not only directed cult classics and landmark movies but also co-wrote screenplay and composed music for movies produced by the actor even though they were not directed by him. This stands as a testimony for the faith Rajkumar had in the abilities of Rao and the admiration Srinivasa had for Rajkumar.[19] In 1988, when Rajkumar announced his desire to temporarily retire from acting, Singeetam decided to concentrate on Tamil movies where he mostly had Kamal Haasan in the lead roles.[20]

The Kannada Film Journalists Association has honoured Srinivasa Rao with a Special Biography. Srinivasa Rao received three Karnataka State Film Awards — two for Best Screenplay and one for Best movie.[2]

Lyricist and composer[edit | edit source]

He composed lyrics for films like Bhairava Dweepam (1994) and soundtracks for a few Kannada films. He edited many magazines in Telugu such as Bharati, and scripted plays like Brahma, Antya Ghattam, and Chitrārjuna. Chitrārjuna was also translated into English, and was telecasted in American Television.[21] A disciple of legendary composer S. Rajeswara Rao, he has also composed music for two Kannada movies of matinee idol Rajkumar's banner - Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma (which was directed by him) and Samyuktha - (which was not directed by him).[22]

Innovative cinema[edit | edit source]

Srinivasa Rao (right) at IFFI 2015

The 1984 Telugu biographical dance film, Mayuri, which won the National Film Award – Special Mention (Feature Film), was premiered at the 1985 International Film Festival of India, has also received several state Awards, including the State Nandi Award for Best Feature Film, and Filmfare Award South for Best Direction.[23] The film was later remade into Hindi as Naache Mayuri.

In 1988, he co-produced, scripted and directed the first Indian dialogue-less film, Pushpaka Vimana which received special mention at Shanghai Film Festival.[24][25] When he was working with Rajkumar, Srinivasa Rao was introduced to Rajkumar's relative, actor Shringar Nagaraj who decided to co-produce Pushpaka Vimana.[26] The film was listed among CNN-IBN's 'Hundred greatest Indian films of all time'.[27]

The comedy-drama blockbuster Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989) was one of the enduring works on dwarfism in popular media.[28][29] The film won the Filmfare Award for Best Film – Tamil, and was premiered at the International Film Festival of India. The Telugu crossover films like America Ammayi (1976), and America Abbayi (1987) were box office hits. The 1990 action comedy, Michael Madana Kama Rajan - a movie about quadruplets[30] - became an instant hit at the box office.

The Telugu science fiction film Aditya 369 was one of the highest grossing Telugu films of 1991, grossing ₹9 crore at the box office.[31] A sequel, entitled Aditya 999, was delayed indefinitely in July 2016.[32] Another science fiction in Tamil, Chinna Vathiyar was also an instant hit. The 1994, folklore Bhairava Dweepam garnered the state Nandi Award for Best Direction.

The 2003 animation film, Son of Aladdin, had 1100 shots and 125 characters.[33] The film won Special Mention in the Competition section at the 2003 International Children's Film Festival Hyderabad,[34][35][36] and subsequently premiered at the 37th International Film Festival of India.[37] The 2008 animation film Ghatothkach received special mention at the Grand Finale - Children's Film Festival 2014 of the 44th International Film Festival of India.[38]

Upcoming projects[edit | edit source]

Srinivasa Rao plans to make a sequel to Aditya 369 in the future.[12] He also expressed his wish to direct a pre-recorded experimental film — a musical in which he wants to use pre-recorded sequences and dialogues while shooting. He also wants to make a documentary on the making of Apoorva Sagodhararkal. He also wants to write a book on the making of Pushpaka Vimana, and his autobiography in the form of a screenplay.[39]

As of mid-2026, a film directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao, produced by Vyjayanthi Movies, with music composed by Devi Sri Prasad, and written by Gautami Challagulla (story, screenplay, and dialogues), is reported to be in development.

Collaborators[edit | edit source]

Srinivasa Rao is particularly noted for his collaboration with two actors - Dr. Rajkumar and Kamal Haasan - which resulted in commercially successful and critically acclaimed movies. With Kamal Haasan he made films such as Pushpaka Vimana (1987), Apoorva Sagodharargal (1990) and Michael Madana Kama Rajan (1991) among others,[40] He also directed Kamal Haasan in his 100th film Raja Paarvai / Amavasya Chandrudu (1981).[41]

He directed Rajkumar in seven Kannada films in the 1980s.[42] Notable among them are Haalu Jenu (1982),[43] Chalisuva Modagalu (1982), Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma (1986),[44] and Rajkumar's 200th film Devatha Manushya (1988). He was also the first person to direct Dr. Rajkumar and all his three sons.[45] He directed Shiva Rajkumar and Raghavendra Rajkumar in their debut movies, Anand (1986) and Chiranjeevi Sudhakara (1988) respectively.[42][46] He had also directed Puneeth Rajkumar as a child artiste in Eradu Nakshatragalu in which he played dual role.[47] Most of his Kannada films were produced by Parvathamma Rajkumar whose ability to judge what would work with the audience and whose story-picking knack he believed in.[48] He was the only director to have worked with her on at least one film in each of the seven years during 1982 to 1988.[49]

Srinivasa Rao also collaborated with Balakrishna in three films — the science fiction film Aditya 369 (1991), fantasy film Bhairava Dweepam (1994), and the mythological film Sri Krishnarjuna Vijayam (1996).[50][51] Aditya 369 and Bhairava Dweepam are considered landmark films in science fiction and fantasy genres respectively in Telugu cinema.[12][13][14][15] He directed Rajendra Prasad in two films — Brundavanam (1992) and Madam (1994). Both were commercially successful.

Kannada actor Shivaram has been a part of all seven movies of Srinivasa Rao starring Rajkumar. B. C. Gowrishankar, a regular cameraman for Rajkumar movies, was selected as the cinematographer for Srinivasa Rao's later movies - Pushpaka Vimana [52] and Michael Madana Kama Rajan.[53] Another regular technician of Rajkumar movies - art director Peketi Ranga - was also selected as the art director for Srinivasa Rao's Michael Madana Kama Rajan.[54]

Influences[edit | edit source]

His favourite litterateurs are Vemana, Mark Twain, and P. G. Wodehouse.[55] He feels no one has expressed the truths of everyday life better than Vemana. He was introduced to Mark Twain by an American missionary when he was eight. He considers Robin Hood to be his favourite hero of fiction.[55]

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Singeetam Srinivasa Rao is widely regarded as one of India's most versatile and innovative filmmakers.[2][3] He is acclaimed for revolutionizing South Indian cinema through his experimental approach. Notable for his contributions to the science fiction and fantasy genres, Aditya 369 and Bhairava Dweepam are celebrated as landmark films within Telugu cinema.[12][13][14][15]

Prasanth Varma has cited Singeetam as his primary inspiration, particularly admiring his ability to create a diverse body of work without repeating himself.[56] Similarly, Nag Ashwin has expressed admiration for Bhairava Dweepam and Aditya 369, considering them among his favourite films.[57][58]

Accolades[edit | edit source]

In 2010, Srinivasa Rao headed the Jury of the Indian Panorama at the 8th Chennai International Film Festival.[59] In 2011, Srinivasa Rao received the Life Achievement Award from the Film Federation of India at the 4th Global Film Festival.[60] Srinivasa Rao was also the Guest of honor alongside Barrie Osbourne at the Media and Entertainment Business Conclave 2012 hosted by FICCI and FFI.[61][62] In 2012, Srinivasa Rao served as one of the selection committee members for the Sundance Institute's screenwriters lab.[63]

19th Chennai International Film Festival
  • Life Time Achievement Award (2021)
Film Federation of India
  • Life Time Achievement Award (2011)
National Film Awards
Nandi Awards[68]
Karnataka State Film Awards
Filmfare Awards South

Filmography[edit | edit source]

Main article: Singeetam Srinivasa Rao filmography

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (19 September 2013). "My life is not drab". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 7 February 2014. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 M. L., Narasimham (20 May 2005). "Spinning magic". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Archived from the original on 9 April 2006. With an amazing display of mastery over a wide range of subjects from comedies to experimental socials to folklore to mythological to 3D animation films that no other contemporary filmmaker has attempted, Singeetham Srinivasa Rao completes half a century of film career this year.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Srinivasan, Pavithra (7 September 2010). "Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's gems before Christ". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 17 September 2017. Retrieved 6 October 2014. There's no stopping the drive and ambition of the veteran film-maker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao who has made film after successful film in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi in as many genres as he could, from mythology to laugh-aloud comedies.
  4. ↑ "'SSR61' announced: Singeetam Srinivasa Rao makes film at 93: Legendary director returns after 10 years". The Times of India. February 2026.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 M. L., Narasimham (20 May 2005). "Spinning magic". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 9 April 2006. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  6. ↑ "Directorate of Film Festival" (PDF). p. 141. Archived (PDF) from the original on 8 July 2015. Retrieved 1 October 2014.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Singeetam, Srinivasa Rao. "మహాదర్శకుడి గురించి ఆయన శిష్యదర్శకుడు". Sakshi (in తెలుగు). Retrieved 7 October 2022.
  8. ↑ Singeetam, Srinivasa Rao (1 July 2012). "స్వర్ణయుగాన్ని చూపించిన గురువు". Eenadu (in తెలుగు). Retrieved 7 October 2022.
  9. ↑ "Directorate of Film Festival" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 1 October 2014.
  10. ↑ Srinivasan, Pavithra (7 September 2010). "Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's gems before Christ". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 17 September 2017. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
  11. ↑ "నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964–2008)" [A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008)] (PDF) (in తెలుగు). Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh. 13 March 2010. p. 74. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 "Singeetam Srinivasa Rao's unique record". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 "30 years for Aditya 369: Nandamuri Balakrishna thanks Gen Z for all the love". The Times of India. 18 July 2021. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 "'భైరవద్వీపం' కోసం నానాపటేకర్, అమ్రిష్ పూరి - Behind the story of Bhairava Dweepam". Eenadu (in తెలుగు). Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 16 September 2021.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 "Celebrating 30 years of timeless classic 'Aditya 369'". Telangana Today. 17 July 2021. Archived from the original on 19 July 2021. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  16. ↑ "Singeetam gives clarity about his involvement in Project K". Telugucinema.com. 7 September 2022. Retrieved 24 September 2022.
  17. ↑ "ಅಣ್ಣಾವ್ರ 200ನೇ ಸಿನಿಮಾ ಆಗ್ಬೇಕಿತ್ತು 'ಅಮೋಘವರ್ಷ ನೃಪತುಂಗ': ವೈರಲ್ ಆಯ್ತು ವಿಡಿಯೋ!". 16 July 2022. Archived from the original on 19 July 2022. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  18. ↑ "Singeetam Srinivasa Rao Interview: "The Golden Rule of Cinema is That There is No Golden Rule"". 29 October 2016. Archived from the original on 9 June 2020. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
  19. ↑ M. K., Raghavendra (22 June 2011). Bipolar Identity: Region, Nation, and the Kannada Language Film. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199088430. Archived from the original on 15 August 2022. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  20. ↑ M. K., Raghavendra (2011). "Vestiges of Mysore". Bipolar Identity. Oxford University Press. pp. 73–98. doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198071587.003.0003. ISBN 978-0-19-807158-7. Archived from the original on 19 October 2020. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
  21. ↑ "Pawan Kalyan to star in Bollywood film of Christ's life". The Guardian. 31 August 2010. Archived from the original on 26 April 2017. Retrieved 13 December 2016.
  22. ↑ "Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's gems before Christ". Archived from the original on 10 April 2022. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  23. ↑ "Directorate of Film Festival" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 8 July 2015. Retrieved 1 October 2014.
  24. ↑ "Singeetham Srinivasa Rao | Telugu Cinema | Kamal Hassan". Archived from the original on 28 November 2012. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
  25. ↑ "Sri Singeetam Srinivas Rao Profile". Telugucinema.com. Archived from the original on 2 October 2011. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  26. ↑ "Articles : Movie Retrospect : Retro : Pushpaka Vimaanam (1988)". Telugucinema.com. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  27. ↑ "100 Years of Indian Cinema: The 100 greatest Indian films of all time". 24 April 2013. Archived from the original on 24 April 2013. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  28. ↑ "Singeetam reveals secret behind Kamal's dwarf role". The Hindu. 10 August 2008. Archived from the original on 20 September 2015. Retrieved 5 October 2014.
  29. ↑ S, Srivatsan (13 April 2019). "Why Kamal Haasan's 'Apoorva Sagodharargal' is 30-years-young". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 15 April 2019. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
  30. ↑ "Kamal Haasan responds to Alphonse Puthren's request, gives a masterclass on 'Michael Madhana Kama Rajan'". The Hindu. 6 July 2021.
  31. ↑ Nyayapati, Neeshita. "Balakrishna's famous sci-fi 'Aditya 369' turns 27 today". The Times of India.
  32. ↑ "That's Why Balayya Delayed Aditya 999". Gulte. 17 July 2016. Archived from the original on 21 September 2017. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
  33. ↑ "Log in ...Tribune: IT supplement of The Tribune, Chandigarh, India. Feature page". The Tribune. Archived from the original on 19 January 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  34. ↑ "The Hindu Business Line : Children's film fest comes to a close". Business Line. Archived from the original on 15 August 2004. Retrieved 5 October 2014.
  35. ↑ "Tintin a bonanza for children at film festival". The Times of India. November 2003. Archived from the original on 18 January 2016. Retrieved 5 October 2014.
  36. ↑ "Lights, camera... chaos". The Hindu. 20 November 2003.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  37. ↑ "IFFI 2006". Iffigoa.org. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014.
  38. ↑ "Children's Film Festival 2014". Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 5 October 2014.
  39. ↑ Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (19 September 2013). "My life is not drab". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 7 February 2014. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  40. ↑ "Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's gems before Christ". Rediff. Archived from the original on 28 August 2019. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  41. ↑ "100th film jinx grips the mighty sans 'Captain'". The Hindu. 14 May 2016. Archived from the original on 31 July 2022. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 "This Day, That Year: Dr. Rajkumar's iconic 'Haalu Jenu' turns 39 | Kannada Movie News". The Times of India. 28 May 2021. Archived from the original on 5 April 2022. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
  43. ↑ "ಹಾಲು ಜೇನು". 11 May 2017. Archived from the original on 15 January 2021. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
  44. ↑ "Five Comedies in Kannada Streaming on YouTube". Film Companion. 13 May 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  45. ↑ "A roller-coaster ride". The Hindu. 4 November 2017. Archived from the original on 1 September 2021. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  46. ↑ "Did you know? All the three debut films of the Rajkumar clan were made by bonafide Telugu directors". The Times of India. 28 May 2021. Archived from the original on 8 January 2022. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
  47. ↑ Category: Parvathamma Rajkumar Writes (4 April 2006). "Parvathamma Rajkumar Column 29 - chitraloka.com | Image". Chitraloka.com. Archived from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
  48. ↑ "Parvathamma Rajkumar nurtured Kannada cinema, female newcomers as producer and first lady of Sandalwood". Bangalore Mirror. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
  49. ↑ Rajkumar not interested in business chitraloka.com Archived 13 April 2021 at the Wayback Machine
  50. ↑ "Nandamuri Balakrishna pays a visit to veteran filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao in Chennai". The Times of India. 27 June 2019. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  51. ↑ Kavirayani, Suresh (27 June 2019). "Nandamuri Balakrishna visits veteran director !". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  52. ↑ "Kamal Haasan shares the backstory of Michael Madana Kama Rajan, Alphonse Puthren ecstatic 14". Sify. Archived from the original on 6 July 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  53. ↑ "30 Years of Michael Madana Kama Rajan: 40 facts you probably didn't know about the mother of all comedies". Cinema Express. October 2019. Archived from the original on 9 January 2022. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  54. ↑ "Kamal Haasan shares the backstory of Michael Madana Kama Rajan, Alphonse Puthren ecstatic 11". Sify. Archived from the original on 6 July 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  55. ↑ 55.0 55.1 Kamath, Sudhish (17 August 2012). "Robinhood is my hero: Singeetham Srinivasa Rao". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 15 October 2013. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  56. ↑ Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (11 May 2023). "Director Prasanth Varma: I sought Rajamouli's advice for 'Hanu-Man'". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 14 January 2024.
  57. ↑ "Nag Ashwin – Kalki 2898 AD is like the climax of all Indian epics". 123Telugu.com. 18 June 2024. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  58. ↑ "Kalki 2898 AD: Director Nag Ashwin Says He Took Five Years to Write The Story". ETV Bharat News. 19 June 2024. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  59. ↑ "Chennai International Film Festival opens". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 21 December 2015. Retrieved 5 October 2014.
  60. ↑ "Singeetam Srinivas Rao to be awarded Life-time Achievement by FFI". Ragalahari.com. 19 November 2011. Archived from the original on 20 September 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  61. ↑ "Stalwarts to zoom in on creative, commercial secrets of celluloid". The Hindu. 3 October 2012. Archived from the original on 14 December 2014. Retrieved 5 October 2014.
  62. ↑ "FICCI to celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema". CNN-IBN. Archived from the original on 7 October 2014.
  63. ↑ "Eight Feature Film Projects Selected For First-Ever Mumbai Mantra - Sundance Institute Screenwriters Lab". Sundance.org. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  64. ↑ "Four decades later, a flashback". The Hindu. 28 June 2014. Archived from the original on 16 January 2021. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  65. ↑ "35th National Film Festival, 1988" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 October 2011. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
  66. ↑ "'Pushpak' completes 25 years: Tinnu Anand, Amala go down memory lane". CNN-IBN. Archived from the original on 4 September 2014.
  67. ↑ "Sakhya Indian Cinema Club: Pushpaka Vimana (The Love Chariot)". Graduate Union. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014.
  68. ↑ "నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964 - 2008)" [A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964 - 2008)] (PDF). Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh (in తెలుగు). 13 March 2010. Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 February 2015. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  69. ↑ "S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, Hema Malini bag NTR awards". The Hindu. 5 April 2017. Archived from the original on 5 April 2017. Retrieved 5 April 2017.
  70. ↑ "35th Annual Filmfare Awards South Winners : Santosh : Free Download &…".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)

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Template:FilmfareAwardBestTeluguDirector Template:Filmfare Award for Best Director - Kannada

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