Telugu Actor Kota Srinivasa Rao Passes Away at 83: A Pillar of Telugu Cinema Bids Farewell
Hyderabad, July 13, 2025 – Legendary Telugu actor and former MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away in the early hours of Sunday at his residence in Filmnagar, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, after a prolonged illness. He had just celebrated his 83rd birthday on July 10, 2025. His passing marks the end of an era in South Indian cinema.
A Towering Legacy in Indian Cinema
With a career spanning nearly five decades, Kota Srinivasa Rao left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Known for his versatility, sharp dialogue delivery, and magnetic screen presence, he acted in over 750 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi, and Malayalam languages.
Kota made his screen debut in 1978 with Pranam Khareedu, and went on to become a mainstay in Indian films, renowned for playing villains, comedians, supporting characters, and emotionally intense roles with equal finesse. Some of his most iconic films include:
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Aha Naa Pellanta!
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Pratigatana
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Siva
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Gaayam
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Hello Brother
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Mutha Mestri
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Shubhalagnam
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Leader
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Bommarillu
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Athadu
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Attarintiki Daredi
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Rakta Charitra
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Sarkar (Hindi, with Amitabh Bachchan)
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Awards & Recognition
Kota Srinivasa Rao’s talent earned him nine Nandi Awards for Best Villain, Best Character Actor, and Best Supporting Actor—more than most in his generation. In 2015, he was conferred the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, for his remarkable contribution to Indian cinema.
He also received Filmfare Awards South and numerous lifetime achievement awards celebrating his commitment to the craft.
Political Life
Beyond films, Kota made his foray into politics and served as an MLA from Vijayawada East (1999–2004) representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He was known for advocating arts and local development during his tenure.
Personal Life & Early Career
Born on July 10, 1942, in Kankipadu, Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, Kota hailed from a conservative middle-class family. He initially worked as a bank employee and gained popularity as a stage artist, before transitioning to the silver screen.
He is survived by his wife Rukmini and two daughters. His only son, Kota Venkata Anjaneya Prasad, tragically passed away in a road accident in 2010.
Industry Mourns a Legend
The news of his demise sent shockwaves through the film industry and political circles. Tributes poured in from across India. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu called his death an “irreparable loss,” while megastar Chiranjeevi, Ravi Teja, Vishnu Manchu, and other film personalities shared heartfelt messages on social media, remembering Kota as a “true titan of cinema.”
A Lasting Imprint
Kota Srinivasa Rao’s greatest strength lay in his ability to elevate even the smallest role—infusing characters with humor, menace, wisdom, or sarcasm in unforgettable ways. His dialogues remain etched in the cultural memory of Telugu audiences. Though he is no longer with us, his voice, expressions, and characters will continue to inspire future generations of actors and filmmakers.
Kota Srinivasa Rao: The Artist Who Redefined Character Acting
From his roots in Andhra theatre to the heights of Padma Shri honor, Kota was more than just an actor—he was a cultural institution. He mentored countless young talents, stood for integrity and authenticity, and lived a life dedicated to art.
As Indian cinema bids farewell to one of its finest, Kota Srinivasa Rao’s legacy will forever shine bright, reminding us that greatness lies in commitment, courage, and craft.
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