Veteran Actor Kota Srinivasa Rao passes away. Tragedy struck Tollywood, when movie lovers woke up to the sad news of veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao's demise. For the last few years, Kota Srinivasa Rao had been battling ill health and he breathed his last at the age of 83 at his home at 4 AM in Filmnagar, Hyderabad.
Kota Srinivasa Rao was born on 10 July 1942, Kankipadu, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh and His father, Seetha Rama Anjaneyulu was a doctor. Srinivasa Rao initially aimed to become a doctor but he had passion for acting.
Since his college days he participated in dramas and after pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree, he worked as a State Bank employee. He made his on screen debut with Pranam Khareedu in 1978 and went on to star in over 750 films in various languages.
He won nine state Nandi Awards in various categories of villain, character actor, and supporting actor. In 2012, he garnered the SIIMA Award for his work in Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum. In 2015 he was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian honour, for his contribution to Indian cinema.
He even made his presence felt in politics and served as the MLA from Vijayawada East in Andhra Pradesh, India from 1999 to 2004.He married Rukmini and they had three children (2 daughters and a son). Their son, Kota Venkata Anjaneya Prasad, passed away on 20 June 2010 in a road accident in Hyderabad.
Condolences started pouring in from all quarters.
AP CM Chandra Babu Naidu
"The demise of the renowned actor Kota Srinivasa Rao, who won the affection of cinema audiences with his versatile roles, is deeply saddening. His artistic contributions to the fields of cinema and theatre over nearly four decades, and the roles he portrayed, will remain unforgettable."
TS CM Revanth Reddy
Prominent actor Kota Srinivas Rao garu’s demise has caused profound shock. To the film industry, his absence is an irreplaceable loss. Though Kota garu is no longer with us physically… through the diverse roles he portrayed… he will remain forever in the hearts of Telugu people. Praying to God that his soul finds peace… I express my deepest condolences to his family members.
Manchu Vishnu
“A Legend Beyond Words. My heart is heavy with the loss of Sri. Kota Srinivas garu. A phenomenal actor, an unmatched talent, and a man whose presence lit up every frame he was in. Whether it was a serious role, a villain, or comedy- he brought life into every character with a rare mastery that only a few are blessed with.”
“I had the good fortune of working with him in quite a few films, and I grew up watching him in many more. His work shaped my admiration for cinema. To his family, my deepest condolences. We may have lost him physically, but his art, his laughter, and his soul will live on in every scene he graced. Rest in peace, sir. You will be missed. You will be remembered. Always,”
Chiranjeevi
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.