The Telugu film industry mourns the loss of a towering figure, Kota Srinivasa Rao, who passed away at the age of 83 on July 13, 2025, at his residence in Filmnagar, Hyderabad. A veteran actor known for his versatile performances across over 750 films, Rao was a household name in Telugu cinema, celebrated for his commanding screen presence, distinctive dialogue delivery, and ability to breathe life into diverse roles. Beyond the silver screen, he served as a BJP MLA from Vijayawada East from 1999 to 2004, showcasing his commitment to public service. Honored with the Padma Shri in 2015 and nine Nandi Awards, Kota Srinivasa Rao’s legacy as an actor and public figure remains unparalleled. This article explores his illustrious career, personal life, and the profound impact he left on Indian cinema.
A Storied Career in Telugu Cinema
Born on July 10, 1942, in Kankipadu, Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, Kota Srinivasa Rao began his journey in the arts as a theatre performer while working at the State Bank of India. His passion for acting led him to the silver screen, where he debuted in 1978 with Pranam Khareedu, alongside Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Rao appeared in over 750 films across Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam industries, earning acclaim for his versatility in villainous, comedic, and character roles.
Rao’s breakthrough came with the 1985 film Pratighatana, where his portrayal of a formidable antagonist showcased his ability to dominate the screen. His unique dialogue delivery, often infused with Telangana and Andhra dialects, became his signature, making him a sought-after actor for both intense and humorous roles. Notable films include Aha Naa Pellanta!, Yamudiki Mogudu, Shiva, Bobbili Raja, Athadu, Bommarillu, and Race Gurram. His on-screen chemistry with comedian Babu Mohan in nearly 60 films during the 1990s and early 2000s became a commercial success formula, delighting audiences with their impeccable timing.
In Hindi cinema, Rao left a mark with his role as Silver Mani in Ram Gopal Varma’s Sarkar (2005), opposite Amitabh Bachchan, and appeared in over a dozen Tamil films, including Saamy (2003). His final film appearance was in the 2023 Telugu film Suvarna Sundari, a testament to his enduring passion for acting despite health challenges in his later years.
Awards and Recognition
Kota Srinivasa Rao’s contributions to Indian cinema were recognized with numerous accolades. He won nine Nandi Awards from the Andhra Pradesh government for his performances as a villain, character actor, and supporting actor. In 2012, he received the South Indian International Movie Award (SIIMA) for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum. In 2015, he was conferred the prestigious Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, for his immense contributions to the arts, presented by then-President Pranab Mukherjee. His ability to seamlessly transition between genres—whether as a menacing villain in Gaayam or a warm father figure in Bommarillu—earned him a permanent place in the hearts of Telugu audiences.
Political Journey and Public Service
Beyond his cinematic achievements, Kota Srinivasa Rao ventured into politics, serving as a BJP MLA from Vijayawada East from 1999 to 2004. His political stint was marked by his dedication to public service, earning him respect as a leader who connected with his constituents. His on-screen portrayals of politicians, such as in Julayi (2012) starring Allu Arjun, mirrored his real-life experience, blending authenticity with his trademark flair. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, reflecting on Rao’s passing, noted his service as an MLA and his unforgettable contributions to cinema, calling his death an “irreparable loss” to the industry and the state.
Personal Life and Tragic Loss
Kota Srinivasa Rao was married to Rukmini and had three children—two daughters and a son. His son, Kota Venkata Anjaneya Prasad, followed in his footsteps as an actor, earning praise for roles in films like Siddham and Gaayam 2. Tragically, Prasad passed away in a road accident in Hyderabad in 2010, a loss that deeply affected Rao. Despite this personal tragedy, he continued to work in films, though his appearances became less frequent in recent years due to age-related health issues. Rao’s family confirmed that he had been battling prolonged illness, and he passed away peacefully at his Filmnagar residence on July 13, 2025, just two days after celebrating his 83rd birthday.
Tributes from the Film Industry and Beyond
The news of Kota Srinivasa Rao’s passing sparked an outpouring of grief from fans, colleagues, and political leaders. Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi, who debuted alongside Rao in Pranam Khareedu, shared an emotional tribute on X: “We both began our careers together. His unique style captured the hearts of Telugu audiences. Whether it was a comedic villain, a serious antagonist, or a supporting role—only he could do justice to them. His absence is an irreplaceable loss.” Actor-producer Vishnu Manchu also paid tribute, writing, “A Legend Beyond Words. Whether it was a serious role, a villain, or comedy—he brought life into every character with rare mastery.”
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed his condolences, stating, “The countless memorable roles he played as a villain and character actor will forever be etched in the hearts of Telugu audiences.” Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy echoed this sentiment, noting, “Though Kota garu is no longer with us physically, through the diverse roles he portrayed, he will remain forever in the hearts of Telugu people.” Other prominent figures, including Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, Jr. NTR, and Ravi Teja, also mourned his loss, highlighting his unparalleled contribution to cinema.
Legacy and Impact on Telugu Cinema
Kota Srinivasa Rao’s legacy is defined by his ability to redefine negative and character roles in Telugu cinema. His commanding voice, expressive eyes, and flawless dialect delivery brought authenticity to every character, from ruthless antagonists in Gaayam to comedic roles in Aha Naa Pellanta!. His collaborations with top stars like Krishna, Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, Venkatesh, Mahesh Babu, and Pawan Kalyan showcased his versatility, making him a staple in Tollywood’s golden era. His work with comedian Babu Mohan became iconic, with their pairing guaranteeing box-office success.
Rao’s influence extended beyond acting. As a theatre artist, he brought a disciplined approach to his craft, and his brief foray into playback singing added another dimension to his talent. His ability to adapt to changing cinematic trends over four decades ensured his relevance, even as new generations of actors emerged. His final years were marked by a quieter presence, but his impact remains indelible, with fans and critics alike celebrating his contributions to Indian cinema.
Conclusion
The passing of Kota Srinivasa Rao marks the end of an era in Telugu cinema. His journey from a theatre artist to a cinematic legend and public servant is a testament to his talent, resilience, and passion. With over 750 films, nine Nandi Awards, a Padma Shri, and a political career, Rao’s life was a tapestry of artistic and societal contributions. As tributes pour in from across India, his performances in films like Shiva, Bommarillu, and Race Gurram will continue to inspire and entertain generations. Telugu cinema has lost a true icon, but Kota Srinivasa Rao’s legacy will live on in the hearts of audiences and the annals of Indian film history.
Keywords: Kota Srinivasa Rao, Telugu cinema, veteran actor, Padma Shri, Nandi Awards, Vijayawada MLA, Pranam Khareedu, Aha Naa Pellanta, Bommarillu, Gaayam, Tollywood legend, Chiranjeevi, Vishnu Manchu, Hyderabad, July 13 2025.
Last Updated on: Sunday, July 13, 2025 6:59 pm by R Sampath Kumar | Published by: R Sampath Kumar on Sunday, July 13, 2025 6:59 pm | News Categories: News
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