Tollywood Mourns the Loss of a Legend: Veteran Actor Kota Srinivasa Rao Passes Away at 83
Hyderabad, July 13, 2025 — The Telugu film fraternity is in deep mourning following the demise of legendary actor Kota Srinivasa Rao, who passed away in the early hours of Sunday at his residence in Film Nagar, Hyderabad. The 83-year-old veteran succumbed to age-related ailments around 4 AM, according to family members. His passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, particularly in Telugu films, where he reigned as one of the most versatile and impactful actors for nearly five decades.
A Journey Rooted in Drama and Destiny
Born on July 10, 1942, in Kankipadu, a town in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, Kota Srinivasa Rao began his artistic journey on the theatrical stage. Known for his command over diction and ability to emote with ease, he quickly gained recognition in the Telugu theatre circuit. Despite his passion for acting, he initially pursued a parallel career, working at the State Bank of India before fully committing to cinema. His early experiences in drama laid a strong foundation for a future that would reshape the contours of acting in South Indian cinema.
A Prolific Career Across Languages and Genres
Kota made his film debut in 1978 with Pranam Khareedu, starring Megastar Chiranjeevi. From that point onward, there was no looking back. In a career spanning over 47 years, he acted in more than 750 films across Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema. His roles ranged from chilling antagonists to comedic foils, from intense character portrayals to touching father figures.
Some of his most iconic performances came in films like:
- Pratighatana (1985)
- Aha Naa Pellanta (1987)
- Gaayam (1993)
- Hello Brother (1994)
- Bommarillu (2006)
- Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum (2012)
- Atharintiki Daaredi (2013)
His unique ability to blend menace with satire, or gravity with humor, made him a director’s favorite and a crowd-puller. His on-screen chemistry with popular comedian Babu Mohan, with whom he acted in nearly 60 films, remains etched in the hearts of audiences. The duo’s timing and banter became a template for comedy in Telugu cinema during the 1990s.
Recognition and Honors
Kota’s immense contribution to cinema was widely recognized. He was the recipient of:
- Nine Nandi Awards (Andhra Pradesh state film awards)
- SIIMA Award for Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum (2012)
- Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, awarded in 2015 for his contribution to the arts
His voice, expressions, mimicry, and power-packed dialogue delivery became a masterclass in acting, inspiring generations of actors who followed.
Public Life and Political Stint
Apart from his film career, Kota also made his presence felt in public life. He served as a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Vijayawada East constituency between 1999 and 2004. Even during his tenure as an elected representative, he never distanced himself from the world of cinema and continued acting, maintaining his connection with the audiences.
Personal Life and Irreparable Loss
Kota Srinivasa Rao is survived by two daughters. He tragically lost his son, Kota Prasad, also an aspiring actor, in a road accident in 2010. That incident left a deep emotional scar on the veteran actor, which he carried with silent strength. His last film appearance was in Suvarna Sundari, released in 2023.
Tributes Pour In
As the news of his passing spread, tributes began pouring in from across the film industry and political circles. Celebrities, fellow actors, filmmakers, and fans expressed their grief and admiration for the stalwart. The industry has described his passing as an irreplaceable loss, noting that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
His last rites are scheduled to be held later today in Hyderabad with full respect, as fans and colleagues gather to bid farewell to a legend who lived and breathed cinema.
Kota Srinivasa Rao was not just an actor; he was an institution. His contributions to Indian cinema and public life will forever remain a treasured part of our cultural heritage.
