Veteran Telugu actor and Padma Shri awardee Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away on Sunday at the age of 83 due to age-related health issues. A towering presence in Indian cinema, his death has led to a wave of tributes from fans, colleagues, and political leaders.
Actor Vishnu Manchu took to social media to mourn the legendary actor, writing:
“A Legend Beyond Words. My heart is heavy with the loss of Sri Kota Srinivas garu… Whether it was a serious role, a villain, or comedy—he brought life into every character with rare mastery. We may have lost him physically, but his art, his laughter, and his soul will live on.”
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also expressed grief, stating,
“His artistic contributions across four decades and his unforgettable roles as both villain and character artist are etched in the hearts of Telugu audiences. His demise is an irreparable loss to the Telugu film industry.”
Born in Andhra Pradesh, Kota Srinivasa Rao began his acting career in 1978 with the Telugu film Pranam Khareedu. Over the years, he went on to appear in over 500 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema. Known for his versatility, Rao delivered memorable performances in both comic and villainous roles. His Hindi film debut came in 2005 with Sarkar, where he played the character Silver Mani.
Rao also served as an MLA from Vijayawada in 1999, showcasing his involvement in public service alongside a prolific film career. In 2015, he was honored with the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards.
His death marks the end of an era in Telugu cinema, leaving behind a legacy of powerful performances and unmatched versatility.
