Deputy Speaker Padma Devender Reddy Dance on Her Son’s Reception

Senior director Singeetham Srinivasa Rao is a towering figure in Indian cinema, known for his innovation and boundless creativity. From his transformation of Kamal Haasan into a short-statured man in Apoorva Sagodharargal to his portrayal of Balakrishna as Sri Krishna Devaraya in Aditya 369, Singeetham has redefined storytelling in Indian cinema. His groundbreaking work in Bhairava Dweepam revitalized folk music, while his masterstroke Pushpaka Vimana is often hailed as the first true pan-Indian film, transcending linguistic and regional boundaries.

Last month, Kamal Haasan hosted a special four-day event titled Apoorva Singeetham to honor this cinematic legend. The event served as a platform to preserve Singeetham’s invaluable contributions, sharing his wealth of experience with future generations. The celebration began with a screening of Raja Paarvai (Amavasya Chandrudu) and continued with several classic films, sparking deep discussions and offering immense learning opportunities for attendees.

The event attracted a stellar array of filmmakers and artists, including Naga Ashwin, Lokesh Kanagaraj, Mani Ratnam, Rajiv Menon, Santana Bharathi, Vairamuthu, Suhasini, Akkineni Amala, PC Sriram, Siddharth, Siva Karthikeyan, Nasser, Ilaiyaraaja, and Devi Sri Prasad. These luminaries gathered to pay tribute to Singeetham, exchanging ideas and reflecting on his lasting impact on cinema. Despite his age, Singeetham Srinivasa Rao engaged with the guests with remarkable depth, sharing insights and showcasing a deep understanding of contemporary pan-Indian cinema, leaving everyone in awe of his timeless relevance.

In a similar vein, the Telugu film industry would benefit immensely from initiatives that honor and preserve the legacies of its own legendary filmmakers, such as Raghavendra Rao and Kodandarami Reddy. While the experiences of the late K. Viswanath and Bapu could not be preserved in the same way, efforts like Kamal Haasan’s tribute to Singeetham provide a model for how to celebrate and archive the invaluable contributions of these senior directors. It’s high time that someone from the Telugu film industry steps forward to initiate similar efforts, ensuring that the wisdom and creativity of these legends are not lost but passed on to inspire future filmmakers.