Date: July 13, 2025
Location: Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Veteran Telugu actor Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away in the early hours of July 13, 2025, due to prolonged illness, at his residence in Filmnagar, Hyderabad . He was just three days past his 83rd birthday (born July 10, 1942) .
A Storied Career in Film and Politics
Kota Rao’s acting journey began in 1978 with the Telugu film Pranam Khareedu, but before that, he worked as a bank employee and performed in college stage plays. Over almost five decades, he acted in over 750 films spanning Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada—becoming one of Tollywood’s most prolific performers .
He was best known for:
- Memorable villain roles in movies like Gaayam, Teerpu, and Rakta Charitra
- Comedic performances in Money, Aha Naa Pellanta, and more
- Character roles in critically acclaimed dramas such as Aa Naluguru, Bommarillu, Athadu, and Leader
His nuanced voice, expressive acting, and distinctive dialogue delivery redefined negative roles by bringing emotional depth to every character.
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Awards & Honours
- Padma Shri (2015) in recognition of his services to Indian cinema
- Nine Nandi Awards, spanning villain, character, and supporting roles
- SIIMA Award (2012) for Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum
Political Legacy
Beyond films, Kota Rao ventured into politics and served as a BJP MLA from Vijayawada East (1999–2004) . Though his political career was brief, it reinforced his prominent public profile .
Emotional Tributes and Industry Mourning
Tollywood celebrities and public figures poured out grief:
- Chiranjeevi called him “a multifaceted genius” and lamented the void in Telugu cinema
- Ravi Teja shared that Kota “was like family,” recalling working together in over ten films
- Vishnu Manchu wrote, “A Legend Beyond Words… his presence lit up every frame”
- CM N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed sorrow, stating the actor’s contributions to cinema and theatre were unforgettable
Legacy That Lives On
Kota Srinivasa Rao’s influence on Telugu cinema is unparalleled:
- Versatility: effortlessly switching from villain to comedian to emotional lead
- A heavyweight performer whose onscreen persona was larger than life
- Commitment to craft: Nine major Sri-state awards and one national honor testify to his stature
His last on-screen appearance was in Suvarna Sundari (2023), marking the end of a legendary run.
Final Words
The passing of Kota Srinivasa Rao on July 13, 2025, marks the end of an era. A versatile powerhouse with a voice and presence like no other, he leaves a legacy that transcends screen boundaries. From iconic villain roles to heartfelt characters, his work continues to resonate with audiences. As Tollywood and the nation mourn, we celebrate a legend whose art will keep his memory alive for generations.
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The entire Telugu film industry is mourning the loss of legendary Telugu actor Kota Srinivasa Rao, who passed away at the age of 83. Known for his powerful voice, versatile acting, and timeless screen presence, Kota Srinivasa Rao carved a unique place in Indian cinema. Over his five-decade-long career, the Telugu actor impressed audiences with unforgettable roles in both villainous and comedic shades. His death on July 13, 2025, came as a shock to his fans and fellow actors. Social media is flooded with tributes for the Telugu actor who left behind a rich legacy of over 750 films. Celebrities like Chiranjeevi, Ravi Teja, and Mohan Babu remembered how deeply Kota Srinivasa Rao impacted the Telugu film landscape. As the industry reflects on his contributions, fans remember the many moments he gave them on screen. It is truly heartbreaking that this veteran Telugu actor passes away, leaving a lasting void. The entire Telugu film industry is mourning the loss of legendary Telugu actor Kota Srinivasa Rao, who passed away at the age of 83. Known for his powerful voice, versatile acting, and timeless screen presence, Kota Srinivasa Rao carved a special place in Indian cinema. Over a career spanning five decades, the veteran Telugu actor impressed audiences with unforgettable villain and comedy roles.
His sudden death on July 13, 2025, shocked fans and celebrities alike. Tributes have poured in from Tollywood stars like Chiranjeevi and Ravi Teja.
Social media is filled with emotional messages remembering how deeply Kota Srinivasa Rao impacted Telugu films.
As the nation mourns, fans are revisiting his classic movies. It’s truly heartbreaking that this iconic Telugu actor passes away, leaving a rich cinematic legacy behind.