Veteran Telugu actor and former BJP MLA, Kota Srinivasa Rao, has passed away at the age of 83 after a prolonged illness.
A Storied Career Spanning Decades
Kota Srinivasa Rao, a revered figure in Indian cinema, breathed his last at his residence in Filmnagar, Hyderabad. His passing marks the end of an era for the industry he dedicated over four decades to.
Rao made his debut on the silver screen with “Pranam Khareedhu” in 1978. Over his extensive career, he graced more than 750 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi languages.
He was particularly celebrated for his powerful portrayal of villainous and complex character roles. His versatility allowed him to seamlessly transition between intense antagonists, endearing fathers, and even comedic figures.
Some of his most memorable works include “Siva,” “Gaayam,” “Money,” “Satruvu,” “Aha Naa Pellanta,” “Bommarillu,” “Athadu,” and “Rakta Charitra.” He also appeared in films like “Leader,” “S/O Satyamurthy,” and “Attarintiki Daredi,” leaving an indelible mark on audiences. His final appearance was in the Kannada film “Kabzaa.”
Honors and Accolades
Beyond his prolific filmography, Kota Srinivasa Rao received significant recognition for his contributions to Indian cinema. In 2015, he was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards.
He was also a recipient of nine Nandi Awards, presented by the Government of Andhra Pradesh for excellence in Telugu cinema. These accolades underscore his immense talent and impact on the industry.
A Flood of Tributes
News of Rao’s passing sent shockwaves through the film fraternity and political circles, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from celebrities, politicians, and fans alike.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed his sorrow on X (formerly Twitter). He highlighted Rao’s diverse roles and artistic contributions to both cinema and theatre over nearly four decades, calling his death “an irreparable loss to the Telugu film industry.” Naidu also noted Rao’s public service as an MLA from Vijayawada in 1999.
Actor Ravi Teja shared a heartfelt message on X, stating, “Grew up watching him, admiring him, and learning from every performance. Kota Babai was like family to me, I cherish the lovely memories of working with him. Rest in peace, Kota Srinivasa Rao garu Om Shanti.”
Fans echoed similar sentiments, praising his unmatched versatility. One fan wrote, “Be it villain, character artist, comedian, or father roles. he would effortlessly ace them all. One of the most versatile actors our industry has ever seen. The range and versatility he showcased were truly on another level. Rest in peace, legend.”
- Kota Srinivasa Rao, a veteran actor and former MLA, passed away at 83.
- He appeared in over 750 films across multiple languages, known for his versatile villain and character roles.
- He was honored with the Padma Shri in 2015 and won nine Nandi Awards.
- Tributes poured in from political leaders, film stars, and fans, acknowledging his significant contributions to cinema.
Kota Srinivasa Rao’s legacy as a brilliant performer and a dedicated public servant will continue to inspire generations.
