The Telugu film industry bid farewell to one of its most iconic figures as legendary actor and multi-faceted artist Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away early Sunday morning at his residence in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, at the age of 83, following age-related ailments. His demise has plunged Telugu audiences and numerous celebrities into deep grief.
Megastar Chiranjeevi expressed his sorrow on social media platform X, writing: “The news that the legendary actor and versatile genius Kota Srinivasa Rao is no more has deeply shaken me. Both of us started our film careers together with the movie ‘Pranam Khareedu.’ Thereafter, he played countless diverse roles in hundreds of films, captivating Telugu audiences with his unique and distinctive style. Whether as a comic villain, a serious antagonist, or a supporting character, he performed each role in a way that only he could. A recent personal tragedy had mentally affected him deeply. The loss of a great actor like Kota Srinivasa Rao is irreparable for the industry and cine-lovers. I pray for peace to his soul and convey my deepest condolences to his family, well-wishers, and fans.”
Kota Srinivasa Rao’s celebrated on-screen pairing with comedian Babu Mohan has been cherished by audiences for decades, known for bringing showers of laughter whenever they appeared together. However, with Kota’s demise, Babu Mohan was overcome with emotions as he paid his respects. Tearfully addressing the media, he said: “Kota was not just a co-actor but like a brother to me. The moments I spent with him are unforgettable. Our combination in films always attracted audiences. His absence is a personal and professional loss that can never be filled.”
Babu Mohan recalled: “We acted together in numerous films, and his naturalness and dedication to each role always amazed me. Every moment spent with him on set was filled with laughter. Beyond being a colleague, he was a close friend and brother. His unique style and ability to embody any role—be it comedy, villainy, or serious—always captivated viewers. The time I spent with him is a priceless treasure of my life. No one can fill Kota Srinivasa Rao’s place in Telugu cinema. His roles, generosity, and kindness will always be remembered. I pray for peace to his soul.”
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu personally visited Kota Srinivasa Rao’s residence in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, paid floral tributes, and consoled the bereaved family. Speaking to the family and his brother Shankara Rao, Chandrababu Naidu said: “Kota Srinivasa Rao was a senior artiste and legendary actor whose demise is an irreparable loss to Telugu cinema. He left an indelible mark with his versatile performances as a villain and character artist in over 750 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi in more than four decades. His artistic contributions and acting prowess will always be remembered.”
Chandrababu Naidu also noted his personal connection with Kota Srinivasa Rao, recalling that he was elected as a BJP MLA from Vijayawada East during his tenure as Chief Minister in 1999 and served the public diligently. “He could make you cry or frighten you in a single scene. That was his power. He received the Padma Shri and seven Nandi Awards,” he added.
Condolences poured in from numerous personalities, including Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, TPCC President Mahesh Kumar Goud, and film stars like Chiranjeevi, Pawan Kalyan, S. S. Rajamouli, and Mahesh Babu, who lauded his services to cinema and politics, saying his contributions will forever be etched in the hearts of Telugu people.
Kota Srinivasa Rao’s funeral was held at Mahaprasthanam crematorium in Hyderabad, amid tears and tributes from film personalities and fans. His eldest grandson Srinivas performed the last rites. The funeral procession started from his Film Nagar residence to Mahaprasthanam, with hundreds paying their final respects.
Among those who paid tributes in person were Chiranjeevi, Prakash Raj, Venkatesh, and Rana Daggubati, who remembered his association with affection. Political leaders including Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, and state BJP leaders N. Ramchander Rao and P. V. N. Madhav also visited his residence and paid homage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his grief on social media, writing: “The demise of Kota Srinivasa Rao is saddening. His cinematic brilliance and versatile talent will be remembered. For generations, he enthralled audiences with his exceptional performances. He was also at the forefront of social service, empowering the poor and marginalized. My condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti.”
Kota Srinivasa Rao, a Padma Shri awardee, carved a distinctive niche in Telugu cinema with his sharp performances and forthright personality. Between 1999 and 2004, he also served as BJP MLA from Vijayawada East. His death marks the end of an era and an irreplaceable loss to Telugu cinema.
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