Legendary Tollywood actor Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away in the early hours of Sunday at his residence in Film Nagar, Hyderabad. He was 83. The veteran had been battling health issues and breathed his last around 4 AM, leaving behind a rich legacy that shaped the landscape of Telugu cinema for over four decades.
Born on July 10, 1942, in Kankipadu, Krishna district, Kota was not only a powerful on-screen presence but also a trained stage artist. Before entering the film industry, he worked with the State Bank of India while actively performing in theatre. His cinematic debut came with Pranam Khareedu (1978), which also marked the beginning of actor Chiranjeevi’s career.
Known for his distinctive voice, sharp dialogue delivery, and unmatched versatility, Kota starred in over 750 films across Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam languages. He played memorable roles alongside industry stalwarts across generations—from Superstar Krishna and Chiranjeevi to Mahesh Babu and Pawan Kalyan.
Kota’s performance in Pratighatana (1985) as a brutal antagonist was a turning point in his career. His role as a miser in Jandhyala’s Aha Naa Pellanta remains a comedic benchmark to this day. He went on to deliver standout performances in films such as Khaidi No. 786, Yamudiki Mogudu, Bobbili Raja, Yamaleela, Shiva, Santosham, Bommarillu, Athadu, Race Gurram, and Intlo Illalu Vantintlo Priyuralu.
In his personal life, Kota married Rukmini in 1968. The couple had two daughters and a son, Kota Prasad, who tragically passed away in a road accident in 2010.
Honoured with the Padma Shri in 2015 and recipient of nine Nandi Awards, Kota Srinivasa Rao was not just an actor but an institution in Telugu cinema. His passing marks the end of an era. Tributes continue to pour in from celebrities and fans, celebrating a man whose voice, expressions, and legacy will forever echo in Indian film history.
