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Veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao passes away at 83

Kota Srinivasa Rao, who has had a illustrious career of over 45 years, had made his mark in both dramatic and comedic roles.

South First Desk

Published Jul 14, 2025 | 11:06 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 14, 2025 | 11:06 AM

Kota Srinivasa Rao

Kota Srinivasa Rao. (X)

Veteran Telugu actor Kota Srinivasa Rao (83), who has been facing health issues, has passed away during the early hours on Sunday, 13 July, at his Hyderabad residence.

The actor, who has had a illustrious career of over 45 years, had made his mark in both dramatic and comedic roles.

He has also worked in Tamil, Kannada, Hindi, and Malayalam films apart from Telugu.

Kota Srinivas Rao debuted in the films with Pranam Khareedu (1978), and went to portray many influential roles, including the role of a miser Lakshmipati in Aha Naa Pellanti (1987), and other roles in films like Pratigatana, Khaidi Number 786, Siva (1986), Hello Brother (1993), Anaganaga Oka Roju (1997), Rakta Charitra (2010).

The actor is survived by his wife Rukmini and two daughters. He had a son Kota Prasad Rao, who died in a tragic road accident in Hyderabad in 2010.

He received numerous accolades for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema, including the Padma Shri in 2015 and nine Nandi Awards from the state government.

Beyond his cinematic accomplishments, Kota Srinivasa Rao also ventured into politics. Representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he served as the MLA for the Vijayawada East constituency from 1999 to 2004.

Condolences pour in

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoling the passing of actor wrote on X: “Anguished by the passing of Shri Kota Srinivas Rao Garu. He will be remembered for his cinematic brilliance and versatility, he enthralled audiences across generations with his riveting performances. He was also at the forefront of social service and worked towards empowering the poor and downtrodden. Condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti.”

Meanwhile, Chiranjeevi, who has worked extensively with the veteran wrote on X in  Telugu: “Legendary actor, multifaceted genius. Sri Kota Srinivasa Rao is no more, a news that has deeply saddened us. With the film Pranam Khareedu, he and I began our cinema careers at the same time. Thereafter, he acted in hundreds of films, portraying countless diverse roles, captivating Telugu audiences with his unique and distinctive style, and securing a permanent place in their hearts.

“Be it a comedic villain, a serious villain, or a supporting character, every role he played was performed with such brilliance that it felt only he could do it justice. Recently, the personal tragedy in his family deeply affected him mentally. The void left by an actor like Sri Kota Srinivasa Rao is one that the film industry and cinephiles will never overcome. Praying for peace to his soul, I express my profound condolences to his family members, well-wishers, and fans,” he added.

Former cricketer VVS Laxman too wrote on X: “Kota Srinivas Rao Garu’s passing is a huge loss to Telugu cinema.
His versatality knew no bounds! He effortlessly portrayed a wide range of characters, from villain to a comedian, and emotions that touched our hearts! You will be missed sir 🙏🏻 Om Shanti”

‘What an actor’

Director Ram Gopal Verma,  sharing an anecdote from the sets of Sarkaar, wrote on X: “The legendary line in SARKAR of #KotaSrinivasRao when he says “ selvar mani light matter mein comedy karta hai aur serious matter mein murder “ was thought by he himself , and I have no contribution to it 🙏 He also invented a laughter in the same film which sounds like a truck engine starting ..Amitji , when he first did the scene with him in SARKAR he said to me “ WHAT AN ACTOR”. ”

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