Ahilya Bamroo Reflects on Working With 94-Year-Old Director Singeetham Srinivasa Rao: “We Never Felt Generations Apart”

Actor Ahilya Bamroo has opened up about her experience working with legendary filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao in the Telugu musical fantasy comedy-drama Sing Geetham. Marking her Telugu film debut, the project brought together the 25-year-old actor with one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated directors, whose career spans several decades.

In a recent interview, Ahilya described the collaboration as both inspiring and memorable, praising Rao’s creative vision, enthusiasm, and hands-on involvement despite directing the film remotely.

Ahilya Bamroo Says the Team Behind Sing Geetham Drew Her to the Film

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Ahilya revealed that several factors influenced her decision to sign the project. Along with her love for musicals, she was attracted to the film’s environmental message and the opportunity to work with acclaimed filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao and producer Nag Ashwin.

According to Ahilya, the combination of a meaningful story and an experienced creative team made the project difficult to refuse.

She described Rao as a visionary filmmaker whose contribution to Indian cinema has remained significant across multiple generations, while also praising Nag Ashwin’s body of work.

“Every Frame Went Through Him”

Although 94-year-old Singeetham Srinivasa Rao directed the film remotely, Ahilya said his presence was felt throughout the production.

She explained that every creative decision—from script discussions to individual scenes—was reviewed by the veteran director. According to the actor, Rao remained actively involved in writers’ meetings and closely supervised the storytelling process.

What surprised her most, however, was his youthful energy.

Ahilya shared that Rao frequently joked with the cast, offered humorous observations about their characters, and created a relaxed working atmosphere on set.

She said that despite the significant age difference, the team never felt separated by generations because they shared the same enthusiasm and passion for filmmaking.

Playing Gauri in Sing Geetham

In Sing Geetham, Ahilya portrays Gauri, a determined young woman committed to protecting the last surviving tree in a village threatened by mining activities.

The character serves as the emotional and moral centre of the story, highlighting themes of environmental conservation, community responsibility, and the consequences of unchecked greed.

Ahilya said she connected deeply with Gauri because of her own upbringing in Auroville, where respect for nature played an important role in daily life.

She explained that this personal connection helped her understand the character’s motivations and made the performance feel authentic.

Positive Audience Response

The actor also expressed gratitude for the response the film has received from audiences.

According to Ahilya, many viewers told her that Sing Geetham entertained them while encouraging conversations about environmental responsibility and social values.

She appreciated that audiences felt the film delivered its message without becoming overly preachy, allowing its themes to emerge naturally through the story.

What’s Next for Ahilya Bamroo?

Following her Telugu debut, Ahilya Bamroo is set to appear in Mukti, a live-action-style video game in which she plays the lead protagonist.

The upcoming project marks another step in her career as she explores roles across different storytelling formats beyond traditional cinema.

Hunterfly Take

Collaborating with an iconic filmmaker like Singeetham Srinivasa Rao is a milestone for any emerging actor. Ahilya Bamroo’s reflections highlight not only the veteran director’s enduring creative spirit but also the collaborative environment that shaped Sing Geetham.

As audiences continue to embrace stories that combine entertainment with meaningful themes, Sing Geetham stands out for bringing together generations of filmmaking talent while delivering a message centred on protecting nature.