By Ankit kumar | July 13, 2025 | Hyderabad
Indian cinema mourns the loss of Kota Srinivasa Rao, the legendary Telugu actor and former MLA, who passed away at his residence in Filmnagar early on Sunday morning at age 83, following a brief illness .In the vast, vibrant tapestry of Indian cinema, there are some figures so deeply woven into its very fabric that their absence feels unimaginable. One such towering figure—known for his razor-sharp wit, impeccable timing, and unforgettable screen presence—is Kota Srinivasa Rao, who passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 83.
For Telugu audiences and film lovers across India, Kota was more than just a character actor; he was a phenomenon. With a filmography that spans over 750 films, a political career that touched lives beyond the screen, and a voice that resonated powerfully both on and off camera, Kota Srinivasa Rao’s life was a mosaic of discipline, creativity, and purpose.
Today, as we say good-bye, we also celebrate a life that was rich, textured, and utterly irreplaceable.
đź“ś A Humble Beginning with a Fiery Spark
Born on July 10, 1942, in Kankipadu, a small town in Andhra Pradesh’s Krishna district, Kota Srinivasa Rao came from modest roots. The son of a doctor, he was expected to walk the path of a respectable government career. And he did—briefly. Kota Srinivasa Rao worked at the State Bank of India and even dabbled in stage plays during his free time.
But the spark of performance refused to die. In an era where dreams were often suppressed in favor of societal norms, Kota made the brave decision to follow his passion. His early work in Telugu theater prepared him for the rigors of cinema, and his background in classical acting gave him an edge that few in the industry possessed.
His break came with “Pranam Khareedu” in 1978—a film that marked the debut of another Telugu legend, Chiranjeevi. Though the film introduced a host of new talents, it was Kota’s compelling on-screen presence that caught the eye of filmmakers and audiences alike.
🎬 A Career That Shaped Telugu Cinema
To call Kota Srinivasa Rao a “character actor” would be a disservice. He was a chameleon—slipping effortlessly into the skin of politicians, crooked landlords, loving fathers, manipulative bosses, and comic sidekicks. He could terrify you in one scene and make you burst out laughing in the next.
Some of his most iconic performances include:
- “Aha Naa Pellanta!” (1987) – where his sarcastic delivery and facial expressions became memes decades before the internet era.
- “Siva” (1989) – where he held his own opposite Nagarjuna and set a standard for villain roles.
- “Aa Naluguru” (2004) – a soulful film that highlighted Kota’s ability to deliver emotion with restraint.
- “Bommarillu” (2006) – where his brief but impactful role remains a fan favorite.
- “Rakta Charitra” (2010) – a film that showcased the gravitas he brought to intense roles.
What made him exceptional was not just his talent—but his consistency. In an industry where actors often peak and fade, Kota managed to stay relevant for five decades, navigating changing trends, technologies, and generations of co-stars.
🎖️ The Accolades Speak for Themselves
Kota Srinivasa Rao’s trophy cabinet tells only part of the story. With nine Nandi Awards, he was one of the most decorated supporting actors in Telugu cinema. His roles were never about stealing the spotlight—they were about elevating the entire narrative.
In 2015, the Indian Government recognized his vast contribution to arts and entertainment by conferring upon him the Padma Shri. It was a fitting tribute to a man who, by then, had already etched his name in cinematic history.
But perhaps his greatest accolade was audience loyalty. Across towns and cities, villages and metros, people flocked to theaters not just for heroes and heroines—but because “Kota garu” was in the film. That kind of following is rare, and it’s priceless.
🏛️ A Politician with a Purpose
While most actors who enter politics do so at the peak of their stardom, Kota Srinivasa Rao took a different path. In 1999, he was elected as the MLA for Vijayawada East, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
During his term (1999–2004), Kota Srinivasa Rao focused on local infrastructure, education, and cultural promotion. Unlike many celebrity politicians who appear during elections and vanish afterward, he maintained a regular presence in his constituency, attending public hearings and pushing for change in legislative assemblies.
Although he later returned full-time to cinema, he remained an active voice in cultural debates, often commenting on the decline in artistic values, the commercialization of cinema, and the responsibilities of artists.
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🕯️ A Final Curtain Call
The last few years saw Kota limiting his screen appearances. Not because he couldn’t find work—but because he chose to step back. His final film, released in 2023, was a quiet drama that reflected his matured philosophy—less about fanfare, more about depth.
On July 13, 2025, just three days after his 83rd birthday, the actor breathed his last in his home in Filmnagar, Hyderabad. Family sources said he had been battling age-related health issues for a few months, but his death still came as a shock to those who had grown up watching him shape the screen.
đź’¬ Tributes That Transcend Generations
The moment the news broke, tributes poured in from all corners:
- Chiranjeevi, his longtime colleague, called him “an institution of acting.”
- S.S. Rajamouli, director of Baahubali, said, “Kota garu taught us how to act, how to wait, and how to be dignified off camera.”
- Ravi Teja, Vishnu Manchu, and Mohan Babu took to social media to share their memories and heartbreak.
- Fans across India changed their profile pictures, held candlelight vigils, and flooded social media with clips of their favorite Kota scenes.
Outside his residence in Hyderabad, a sea of admirers gathered. Some came from as far as Vizag and Guntur—just to pay their final respects to the man who had once made them laugh, cry, and think.
📽️ More Than an Actor
There is an old saying in Telugu: “Abhinayam chesina vaadu kalakarudu kaadu. Jeevithanni abhinayinche vaade sreshta kalakarudu.”
(“One who acts is an artist. But one who lives his art is a great artist.”)
Kota Srinivasa Rao didn’t just act—he lived his art. Every gesture, every line of dialogue, every role he accepted—had purpose. He was an artist in the truest sense, not bound by ego or commercial pressures, but guided by a genuine love for performance and storytelling.
His legacy is not just the number of films he did—but the quality, variety, and integrity of his work. Generations of actors cite him as an influence. Students in acting schools still study his monologues. Filmmakers continue to write roles with “Kota-like” gravitas in mind.
🌅 The Legend Lives On
As we reflect on the life and times of Kota Srinivasa Rao, we are reminded of the power of humility, discipline, and passion. He didn’t chase stardom—it found him. He didn’t hunger for headlines—but earned every one. And now, even in death, his legacy will outlive us all.
In a world that often chases the next big thing, Kota was a steady reminder of why we fell in love with cinema in the first place: for its honesty, its heart, and its humanity.
Rest in peace, Kota Srinivasa Rao garu. Your voice may have fallen silent, but your spirit will continue to echo in every scene, every reel, and every heart that loved you.
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