Veteran Telugu actor Kota Srinivasa Rao has passed away at the age of 83, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in Indian cinema and public service.
A Storied Career Spanning Decades
With a career spanning over four decades, Kota Srinivasa Rao was a highly respected figure in the Indian film industry. He appeared in more than 750 films across Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, and Tamil languages, showcasing his immense versatility.
Rao breathed his last at his Film Nagar residence in Hyderabad on Sunday morning after a prolonged illness. His debut in 1978 with the film “Pranam Khareedu” marked the beginning of an iconic journey.
Known for his impactful performances, he effortlessly transitioned between roles as a formidable villain and a nuanced character actor. Some of his memorable films include “Aha Naa Pellanta!”, “Shiva”, “Yamaleela”, “Athadu”, “Bommarillu”, “Rakta Charitra”, and “Sarkar”.
Accolades and National Recognition
Rao’s significant contributions to cinema were widely recognized. In 2015, he was honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, a testament to his artistic prowess.
He also received nine Nandi Awards, acknowledging his consistent excellence in various roles throughout his career. These accolades underscore his profound influence on Indian cinema.
From Screen to State Assembly
Beyond his prolific acting career, Kota Srinivasa Rao also served the public as a politician. He entered politics in 1999 and was elected as a BJP MLA from the Vijayawada East Assembly constituency, serving until 2004.
In addition to his political and acting work, he was also known for his philanthropic endeavors, further cementing his legacy as a compassionate public figure.
Tributes Pour In From Industry and Leaders
The Telugu film industry and political fraternity are mourning the loss of the iconic actor. Many prominent personalities, including actor Chiranjeevi and director Sreenu Vaitla, have expressed their grief.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu shared his condolences on X, stating, “The passing of veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao, who won the hearts of film audiences through his diverse roles, is deeply saddening. His artistic contributions to cinema and theatre over nearly four decades, and the unforgettable characters he portrayed, will be remembered forever.”
Naidu further added, “The many memorable roles he played—as both a villain and a character actor—have left a lasting impression on Telugu audiences. His death is an irreparable loss to the Telugu film industry. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family.”
Early Life and Aspirations
Born on July 10, 1942, in the village of Kankipadu, Andhra Pradesh, Rao initially harbored dreams of becoming a doctor. However, his passion for acting blossomed during his college days through participation in various plays.
Before making his mark in the film industry, he worked as an employee at the State Bank, a lesser-known chapter in the life of the multifaceted personality.
- Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away at 83 after a prolonged illness.
- He acted in over 750 films across multiple languages over four decades.
- He was honored with the Padma Shri in 2015 and received nine Nandi Awards.
- Rao also served as a BJP MLA from Vijayawada East between 1999 and 2004.
- His versatile performances as a villain and character actor left a lasting impact on audiences.
His immense talent and dedication to his craft, combined with his service to the public, ensure his enduring legacy in the hearts of millions.
