Place of Birth: Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh, India
Nationality: Indian
Profession: Film Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Language: Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi
Early Life and Background:
Singeetam Srinivasa Rao was born in Srikalahasti, a town in Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh. He had an interest in arts and filmmaking from a young age, and his academic background in arts and literature helped him form a strong foundation in storytelling and scriptwriting. His passion for cinema led him to pursue a career in the film industry.
filmography
Year
Film Title
Language(s)
Notes
1972
Neeti-Nijayiti
Telugu
Directorial debut in Telugu cinema.
1974
Dikkatra Parvathi
Tamil
Won National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil.
1975
Zamindaru gari Ammayi
Telugu
1976
Oka Deepam Veligindhi
Telugu
1976
America Ammayi
Telugu
1977
Tharam Marindi
Telugu
Won Nandi Award for Best Feature Film.
1977
Andame Anandam
Telugu
1977
Panthulamma
Telugu
Also acted in this film.
1977
Niraparayum Nilavilakkum
Malayalam
Directorial debut in Malayalam cinema.
1978
Raamachilaka
Telugu
1978
Gammathu Goodacharulu
Telugu
1979
Sommokadidhi Sokokadidhi
Telugu
1979
Mangala Thoranalu
Telugu
1980
Triloka Sundari
Telugu
1980
Gandara Golam
Telugu
1980
Pilla Zamindar
Telugu
1981
Raja Paarvai / Amavasya Chandrudu
Tamil / Telugu
1981
Jegantalu
Telugu
1982
Thrilok Sundhari
Hindi
1982
Haalu Jenu
Kannada
Directorial debut in Kannada cinema; Won Karnataka State Film Award for Best Film.
1982
Chalisuva Modagalu
Kannada
1983
Eradu Nakshatragalu
Kannada
1983
Raju Rani Jackie
Telugu
1984
Shravana Banthu
Kannada
1984
Vasantha Geetam
Telugu
1984
Sangeeta Samrat
Telugu
1984
Mayuri
Telugu
Won Nandi Award for Best Feature Film; Filmfare Award South for Best Direction.
1985
Jwaalamukhi
Kannada
1986
Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma
Kannada
Won Karnataka State Film Award for Best Screenplay; Also composed music for the film.
1986
Anand
Kannada
Won Karnataka State Film Award for Best Screenplay.
1987
America Abbayi
Telugu
1987
Pushpaka Vimana
Silent
Dialogue-less film; Won National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
1988
Devatha Manushya
Kannada
1988
Chiranjeevi Sudhakara
Kannada
1989
Apoorva Sagodharargal
Tamil
1990
Michael Madana Kama Rajan
Tamil
1991
Aditya 369
Telugu
First time-travel film in Indian cinema; Won two Nandi Awards.
1992
Ksheera Sagara
Kannada
1992
Brundavanam
Telugu
Won Nandi Award for Best Screenplay.
1993
Phool
Hindi
1994
Magalir Mattum
Tamil
1994
Bhairava Dweepam
Telugu
Won Nandi Award for Best Director and Best Feature Film.
1994
Madam
Telugu
1995
Chinna Vathiyar
Tamil
1996
Sri Krishnarjuna Vijayam
Telugu
1998
Raja Hamsa
Telugu
1998
Kaathala Kaathala
Tamil
1999
Tuvvi Tuvvi Tuvvi
Kannada
2001
Little John
English / Hindi / Tamil
2001
Akasa Veedhilo
Telugu
2002
Make-up
Kannada
2003
Vijayam
Telugu
2003
Son of Aladdin
English
Received Special Mention at the International Children’s Film Festival.
2005
Mumbai Xpress
Tamil / Hindi
Bilingual film.
2008
Ghatothkach
Hindi
Animated film.
2013
Welcome Obama
Telugu
2022
Pratibimbalu
Telugu
Film was shot in 1982 but released in 2022.
Awards and Recognition:
Singeetam Srinivasa Rao has received several prestigious awards for his work in the Indian film industry. Some of the notable awards include:
National Film Award for Best Feature Film:
He won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film for his work on “Chidambaram” (1985), a critically acclaimed film in Tamil cinema that received widespread praise for its depth and creativity.
Nandi Awards (State Awards for Telugu Cinema):
He has won several Nandi Awards for his excellence in direction in Telugu cinema.
Filmfare Awards:
Singeetam Srinivasa Rao has also been recognized by the Filmfare Awards South for his outstanding contribution to South Indian cinema, especially for his work in Telugu and Tamil.
Lifetime Achievement Award:
Singeetam Srinivasa Rao was honored with several Lifetime Achievement Awards for his immense contribution to Indian cinema and his distinctive filmmaking style.
Tamil Nadu State Film Award:
He received the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for his work in the Tamil film industry, particularly for “Chidambaram”.
Music and Film Appreciation:
Singeetam Srinivasa Rao has a deep understanding and appreciation for film music. Many of his films, especially those in collaboration with composers like Ilaiyaraaja and K. V. Mahadevan, are known for their musical richness. He often worked closely with music composers to create the perfect soundtrack that complemented the film’s mood and theme. His films like “Annamayya” (1997) and “Sathyaa” (1988) featured music that became integral to their success.