The pre-release event of legendary filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao’s musical drama Sing Geetham turned into an emotional celebration of friendship, passion and cinema, with Kamal Haasan, Ashwini Dutt, Devi Sri Prasad and Singeetham himself sharing heartfelt memories associated with the unique project.
Producer Ashwini Dutt revealed that the film holds a special place in his heart. Nearly 25 years ago, he had begun a project with Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, but unforeseen circumstances forced it to be shelved.
The unfulfilled dream stayed with him for decades until Nag Ashwin, Swapna Dutt and Priyanka Dutt revived the idea and brought it to life.
Kamal Haasan delivered a memorable speech. Recalling his first meeting with Singeetham when he was just 21 years old, Kamal revealed that the origins of Sing Geetham date back almost 45 years.
During their discussions at the time, two stories emerged — one eventually became the iconic Pushpaka Vimanam, while the other remained unrealised for decades.
It was only when Nag Ashwin came forward to produce the project that the long-pending idea finally took shape as Sing Geetham.
For Kamal, the film is proof that truly great ideas transcend generations. He described Singeetham as a filmmaker whose creativity remains untouched by age, constantly driven by curiosity, innovation and a desire to explore new possibilities.
The actor also reminisced about their landmark collaborations, including Pushpaka Vimanam and Mumbai Express, noting that both films were born out of a shared passion for experimentation.
According to him, success and failure can never be predicted, but the real reward lies in believing in an idea and pursuing it wholeheartedly.
“Even today, Singeetham continues to stay ahead of his time. He is always a step ahead, even of Gen Z. I am happy to celebrate a young man like Singeetham Srinivasa Rao. Age may be an inconvenience, but the mind can rise above it, and he is a shining example of that. I continue to learn from him. In fact, I still wish to remain his assistant because I want to preserve that youthful state of mind.
“I thank Nag Ashwin and Swapna for recognising the value of this project. Cinema is first and foremost about passion; only then does it become a business. Today, we often approach it the other way around.
“I do not need a special occasion to honour Singeetham. This is simply another film that Raj Kamal Films International is proud to be associated with. Had he informed me three or four months earlier, I would have loved to stand on stage alongside the younger members of the team. I missed that opportunity, but I trust this gentleman so much that I believe I will get another chance,” Kamal said.
Music director Devi Sri Prasad echoed similar sentiments, stressing that passion is what separates extraordinary individuals from ordinary ones.
He praised Singeetham, Kamal Haasan and Ashwini Dutt for sustaining that passion across decades and described the film’s writing as one of its strongest assets.
DSP revealed that he first heard the concept nearly 12 years ago and was instantly fascinated by it.
Calling the project a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, he admired Singeetham’s childlike enthusiasm and his willingness to keep experimenting even today.
Remaining humble throughout the event, Singeetham Srinivasa Rao said that although the story had stayed with him for nearly four decades, it was Nag Ashwin who ultimately made the film possible.
He credited the younger filmmaker and the entire Vyjayanthi Movies team for nurturing the project with immense care, affection and respect.
“The entire responsibility and credit for this film belong to Vyjayanthi Movies and Nag Ashwin. He is a globally recognised filmmaker, yet he took extraordinary interest in this project and ensured it was made with great care. More than the film itself, Nag Ashwin has shown immense affection and respect towards me. In many ways, he loves me more than the project itself. This film is entirely to Nag Ashwin’s credit.
“Devi Sri Prasad is one person who truly understood the vision of the film. The entire team has done remarkable work. I am also deeply touched that my dear Kamal Haasan has come here today. The bond we share is inseparable,” Singeetham said.
Singeetham’s speech left many in the audience emotional. As multiple generations of filmmakers came together under one roof, the event evolved beyond a film promotion and became a heartfelt tribute to creativity, cinema and enduring artistic passion.
