Kota Srinivasa Rao dies : Kota Srinivasa Rao Passes Away : R/Tollywood

Chandan

Published on: 13 July 2025

After suffering from age-related illness, veteran Telugu actor and former MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away at the age of 83 on July 13, 2025 at his home in Filmnagar, Hyderabad.

Final farewell and legacy

Rao died in the wee hours of Sunday, two days after his 83rd birthday. The news triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes. Actors like Chiranjeevi, Ravi Teja, Vishnu Manchu, Genelia D’Souza, Mohan Babu and political figures like Chandrababu Naidu and Governor Bandaru Dattatreya expressed their deep condolences.

His funeral was held a few days later, with fans and admirers thronging to pay their tributes – a testimony to his deep connection with his audience.

Individuality and Private Life

Off-screen, Rao was regarded for his sincerity, modesty, and deep respect for art. He was married to Rukmini and is survived by two children; he unfortunately lost his son, Kota Venkata Anjaneya Prasad, in 2010.His admirers and coworkers recall him as a disciplined, grounded person whose presence seemed to transcend reality.

Early Years and the Path to Fame

Rao, who was born on July 10, 1942, in Kankipadu, Andhra Pradesh’s Krishna district, initially wanted to become a doctor like his father. But his love of theater led him to pursue the performing arts while he was working at a state bank and obtaining a bachelor’s degree.

His cinematic debut came with Pranam Khareedu (1978), and from there, he soared into a career spanning over four decades.

Kota Srinivasa Rao: Tribute to a cinematic legend

Senior Telugu actor and former BJP MLA, Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away at the age of 83 on July 13, 2025 after a prolonged illness. He breathed his last at his residence in Filmnagar, Hyderabad, just two days after celebrating his 83rd birthday.

A glorious career in Indian cinema

Born on July 10, 1942 in Kankipadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kota Srinivasa Rao made his film debut in 1978 with Pranam Khareedu. Over the next five decades, he was known for his versatility in both villainous and comic roles and became a household name. His distinctive voice and unmatched dialogue delivery made him a favourite of audiences across languages including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi. He acted in over 750 films and left an indelible mark on the Indian film industry.

Awards and Honours

Kota Srinivasa Rao’s contribution to cinema was widely acclaimed. He was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards, in 2015 for his exceptional contribution to the field of arts. Additionally, he received several Nandi Awards, including Best Villain for Gayam (1993) and Best Character Actor for Little Soldiers (1996).

Political Journey

Apart from his cinematic achievements, Rao also ventured into politics. He served as a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Vijayawada East from 1999 to 2004, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His political career was marked by his commitment to public service and his efforts to bridge the gap between cinema and politics.

Last Screen Appearance

Despite his declining health, Kota Srinivasa Rao played a notable role in Pawan Kalyan’s historical film, Hari Hara Veera Mallu, which was released posthumously. The film marked his final on-screen performance, which reflected his undying passion for acting even in his final days.

A memorable legacy

The passing of Kota Srinivasa Rao has left a void in the Indian film industry. His ability to seamlessly transition between serious villainous roles and light-hearted comic roles had endeared him to fans for generations. Tributes have poured in from all quarters, celebrating his legacy and the rich collection of characters he brought to life on screen. His passing marks the end of an era in Telugu cinema, but his contributions will continue to inspire actors and filmmakers for years to come.

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