Veteran Telugu Actor Kota Srinivasa Rao Passes Away at 83. Telugu film industry icon Kota Srinivasa Rao, known for his unmatched versatility and powerful screen presence, passed away on Sunday at the age of 83. He breathed his last at his residence in Filmnagar, Hyderabad, leaving behind a legacy spanning nearly five decades in Indian cinema.
A Pillar of Telugu Cinema
Born on July 10, 1942, in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, Kota Srinivasa Rao transitioned from stage to screen with ease and brilliance. Making his debut in the 1978 film Pranam Khareedu, Rao quickly rose to prominence for his commanding dialogue delivery, emotional depth, and ability to portray a wide array of characters — from intense villains to comedic foils to moral elders.
Over the course of his storied career, he acted in over 500 films across Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema. His notable performances in films like Gaayam, Aha Naa Pellanta, Aa Naluguru, and Leader remain etched in the memory of fans and critics alike.
Acclaimed Actor and Public Servant
Apart from his cinematic journey, Rao also served the public as a Member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, representing the BJP from 1999 to 2004. Known for his intellect and articulate speech, he earned respect both as a politician and a public figure.
His contributions to Indian cinema were officially honored with the Padma Shri in 2015. He also won several Nandi Awards, a testament to his enduring impact on Telugu filmmaking.
A Heartfelt Farewell
The actor had been battling age-related health issues in recent months. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. News of his demise has sent shockwaves through the Tollywood community, with actors, directors, politicians, and fans expressing their grief and sharing heartfelt tributes.
Actor Jr NTR, who had worked closely with Rao in multiple films, tweeted, “A monumental loss for Telugu cinema. Kota garu was a school of acting in himself. His presence on screen was electric.”
Final Rites and Tributes
Kota Srinivasa Rao’s mortal remains will be kept for public homage at his residence in Filmnagar. The funeral is scheduled to take place in Hyderabad with full state honors on Monday.
As fans revisit his iconic film scenes and memorable roles, one truth remains: Kota Srinivasa Rao’s voice may be silenced, but his legacy will echo for generations to come.
Rest in peace, Kota garu your art lives on in every frame you graced.
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