Singeetham Srinivasa Rao’s Only Passion Was Cinema, Says Sivalenka Krishna Prasad

Noted producer Sivalenka Krishna Prasad, who bankrolled the landmark sci-fi adventure Aditya 369 with Nandamuri Balakrishna and Singeetham Srinivasa Rao in 1991, remembers the legendary filmmaker as someone whose life revolves entirely around cinema.

“Cinema was his passion throughout his life. He took Indian cinema to national and international levels,” says Krishna Prasad, recalling his association with the filmmaker.

“I was blessed to make a film like Aditya 369, which revolved around a time machine and was far ahead of its time. Balakrishna garu trusted me and Singeetham garu to deliver a new-age film in the 1990s. Singeetham garu was always young at heart. He would regularly call me, ask about the successes and failures of films released that week and keep himself updated. That came purely from his love for cinema,” he recalls.

Krishna Prasad also remembers Singeetham’s remarkable versatility. “He made films in completely different genres, from Sommokadidi Sokokadidi and Panteulamma to the silent film Pushpak. He went on to make films such as Apoorva Sahodarulu and Amavasya Chandrudu. Even today, I am remembered for Aditya 369, and it has become a landmark film in my career,” he says.

According to Krishna Prasad, Singeetham’s creative energy remained intact until his final years. “He continued suggesting new ideas even until recently and would ask our team to work on them. He dedicated his entire life to cinema and always enjoyed watching films and discussing them,” he adds.

Producer Lagadapati Sridhar also remembers Singeetham Srinivasa Rao as one of the most respected filmmakers in Indian cinema.

“He was known for his unique ideas, creative storytelling and willingness to experiment with different genres. From the 1970s onwards, he made his mark in both Telugu and Tamil cinema. His contribution to Indian cinema is immense,” says Sridhar.

Singeetham shared a particularly successful association with Telugu star Nandamuri Balakrishna, working with him on Aditya 369, Bhairava Dweepam and Sri Krishnarjuna Vijayam.

“He was a master of different genres and delivered memorable films because he always wanted to explore new ideas and carve a unique identity for himself in Telugu cinema,” Sridhar adds.

What made Singeetham’s journey even more remarkable was his undiminished passion for filmmaking. “Even in his 90s, he continued to remain creatively active and released his last film ‘Sing Geetham’ a few months ago, proving that his love for cinema never faded,” he adds.