South Indian cinema mourns the loss of a legendary actor, theatre artist, and former MLA whose cinematic journey spanned over four decades and 750 films
Hyderabad: In a profound loss to the Indian film fraternity, veteran Telugu actor Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away on Sunday in Hyderabad at the age of 83. The iconic character actor, celebrated for his powerful performances in South Indian cinema, had been battling a prolonged illness and was under treatment at the time of his demise.
Known for his impeccable versatility, Rao had acted in over 750 films across various languages, leaving a lasting legacy that influenced generations of actors and audiences alike. He made his debut with the film ‘Pranam Khareedu’ in 1978, and since then became a staple in Telugu cinema for both villainous and character roles, seamlessly blending menace, wit, and emotion on screen.
“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,” said Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy in a heartfelt condolence message on X (formerly Twitter).
An Irreplaceable Loss to Indian Cinema
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also expressed grief over the legendary actor’s death, acknowledging his enormous contribution to both cinema and public life.
"His artistic contributions to the fields of cinema and theatre over nearly four decades, and the roles he portrayed, will remain unforgettable. The numerous memorable roles he played as a villain and character artist will forever stay etched in the hearts of Telugu audiences. His passing is an irreparable loss to the Telugu film industry,” Naidu tweeted.
Rao’s political journey is also noteworthy. In 1999, he was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Vijayawada, and served the public with distinction, balancing his responsibilities as both an actor and public servant.
Tributes from the Film Industry
Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi, a longtime colleague and co-star, recalled his early acting days with Rao and paid a deeply emotional tribute.
“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,” Chiranjeevi tweeted, adding that a recent personal tragedy had deeply affected Rao 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,” Chiranjeevi added.
Legacy of a Screen Legend
Kota Srinivasa Rao was not just a film actor — he was a theatre performer, an elected public representative, and a cultural icon. His roles in films such as Aha Naa Pellanta, Gaayam, Hello Brother, Tagore, Athadu, and Leader showcased his unmatched range — from dark antagonists to comic relief and profound father figures.
His natural dialogue delivery, strong screen presence, and deep baritone voice made every performance memorable and contributed significantly to the evolution of the Telugu character actor genre.
Final Curtain Call
The film fraternity, political leaders, and fans across Telugu-speaking states and beyond have come together to mourn a man whose work resonated with millions. Condolence messages continue to pour in from actors, directors, and admirers, remembering not only the roles he played but the grace with which he lived his life.
"He was one of those rare actors who made villainy lovable and character roles unforgettable," said a veteran film critic based in Hyderabad.
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