Veteran Telugu Actor Kota Srinivasa Rao Dies at 83

NDC DESK

Hyderabad, July 13, 2025 — Veteran Telugu actor and former MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away in the early hours of today at his residence in Filmnagar, Hyderabad, after battling illness over the past few days .

Born on July 10, 1942, in Kankipadu (now part of Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh), Rao transitioned from a career in theatre to cinema, debuting in 1978 with Pranam Khareedu . Over a career spanning four decades, he appeared in over 750 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi languages . Rao was celebrated for his chameleon-like versatility — excelling in villainous, comedic, and character-driven roles — and earned nine Nandi Awards alongside Kerala’s prestigious Padma Shri in 2015 .

Some of his most iconic screen appearances include roles in Aha Naa Pellanta!, Pratighatana, Shiva, Bommarillu, and Athadu .

Beyond cinema, Rao also served the public as a Bharatiya Janata Party MLA from Vijayawada East from 1999 to 2004 . He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and had tragically lost his only son in a road accident in 2010 .

Today’s announcement of his passing triggered widespread grief across Tollywood. Icons such as Chiranjeevi, Ravi Teja, Vishnu Manchu, and Mohan Babu expressed profound sorrow. Vishnu Manchu described him as “a phenomenal actor, an unmatched talent… his art, his laughter, and his soul will live on in every scene he graced.” . Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu called Rao’s passing “an irreparable loss to the Telugu film industry,” highlighting his enduring contributions over four decades .

Kota Srinivasa Rao’s death marks the end of an era in South Indian cinema. His ability to imbue characters with unforgettable authenticity earned him a permanent place in the hearts of audiences and colleagues alike.

Funeral arrangements are expected to take place in Hyderabad later today, with attendance from family, industry colleagues, and dignitaries.