Farewell to a Legend: Kota Srinivasa Rao`s Legacy Lives On
Updated on: 14 July, 2025 11:12 AM IST |Amruta Karulkar

Kota Srinivasa Rao Death
The world of Indian cinema bids a heartfelt adieu to veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao, who passed away at the age of 83 on Sunday, July 13. Known for his incredible versatility, Rao left an indelible mark on audiences with his compelling portrayals, whether as a menacing villain, a relatable lead, or a charming comedian. His passing marks the end of an era for Telugu cinema and beyond.
Rao`s extraordinary talent earned him nine prestigious Nandi Awards from the Andhra Pradesh government. In 2015, he was honoured with the Padma Shri, one of India`s highest civilian awards, presented by then-President Pranab Mukherjee. Beyond his cinematic achievements, Rao also ventured into politics, serving as an MLA from the Vijayawada East constituency from 1999 to 2004, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He is survived by his wife, Rukmini, and two daughters. His son, Kota Prasad Rao, tragically passed away in a road accident in 2010.
Also Read: A Luminary`s Farewell: Siva Shakthi Datta Leaves Behind a Rich Legacy
Amidst the solemn occasion, a video of filmmaker SS Rajamouli reacting sharply to a fan seeking a selfie went viral. Rajamouli, visibly irritated by the fan`s inappropriate behaviour during a moment of mourning, was seen pushing the fan aside. Despite this incident, Rajamouli shared a heartfelt tribute on X, stating, "Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Kota Srinivasa Rao garu. A master of his craft, a legend who breathed life into every character he portrayed. His presence on screen was truly irreplaceable. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Om Shanti."
Kota Srinivasa Rao`s legacy as a cinematic powerhouse and a multifaceted personality will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come.
Also Read: Relive the Epic: Baahubali Returns to Theatres as a Single Cinematic Masterpiece
A Career Spanning Decades and Languages
Born on July 10, 1942, in Kankipadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kota Srinivasa Rao`s passion for acting began during his student years, nurtured by his culturally rich family. After a stint at the State Bank of India, he made his cinematic debut in 1978 with the Telugu film Pranam Khareedu, starring alongside a young Chiranjeevi. Over his illustrious career, he graced over 750 films, showcasing his talent across multiple languages, including Tamil (30 films), Hindi (10 films), Kannada (8 films), and Malayalam (1 film). His final Telugu film appearance was in 2023`s Suvarna Sundari.Rao`s extraordinary talent earned him nine prestigious Nandi Awards from the Andhra Pradesh government. In 2015, he was honoured with the Padma Shri, one of India`s highest civilian awards, presented by then-President Pranab Mukherjee. Beyond his cinematic achievements, Rao also ventured into politics, serving as an MLA from the Vijayawada East constituency from 1999 to 2004, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He is survived by his wife, Rukmini, and two daughters. His son, Kota Prasad Rao, tragically passed away in a road accident in 2010.
Also Read: A Luminary`s Farewell: Siva Shakthi Datta Leaves Behind a Rich Legacy
Tributes Pour In Amidst Viral Moment
The funeral in Hyderabad saw an outpouring of grief from the film fraternity, with prominent stars like Chiranjeevi, Pawan Kalyan, Prakash Raj, Venkatesh Daggubati, and Rana Daggubati paying their respects. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, and Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy also extended their condolences, remembering Rao for his "cinematic brilliance and versatility" and his contributions to "empowering the poor and downtrodden."Amidst the solemn occasion, a video of filmmaker SS Rajamouli reacting sharply to a fan seeking a selfie went viral. Rajamouli, visibly irritated by the fan`s inappropriate behaviour during a moment of mourning, was seen pushing the fan aside. Despite this incident, Rajamouli shared a heartfelt tribute on X, stating, "Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Kota Srinivasa Rao garu. A master of his craft, a legend who breathed life into every character he portrayed. His presence on screen was truly irreplaceable. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Om Shanti."
Kota Srinivasa Rao`s legacy as a cinematic powerhouse and a multifaceted personality will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come.
Also Read: Relive the Epic: Baahubali Returns to Theatres as a Single Cinematic Masterpiece
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