Kota Srinivasa Rao (10 July 1942 – 13 July 2025) was a legendary Indian actor and politician, best known for his extensive and versatile contributions to Telugu cinema and theater. He passed away on 13 July 2025 at the age of 83 in his Hyderabad residence after a brief illness
Early Life & Career
Born in Kankipadu, Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, to a doctor, Kota initially pursued a B.Sc. and briefly worked at the State Bank, all while engaging in theater during college
He made his film industry debut with the Telugu movie Pranam Khareedu (1978) and quickly became known for his commanding presence and distinctive voice
Filmography & Style
Appeared in over 750 films across Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam, showcasing his talent in villainous, comedic, and character roles
Pratighatana (1985), Siva, Gaayam, Money, Aha Naa Pellanta, Bommarillu, Athadu, Rakta Charitra, Attarintiki Daredi, S/O Satyamurthy
His Tamil debut as a suave antagonist in Saamy (2003) also earned acclaim
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Awards & Accolades
Winner of nine Nandi Awards across categories like villain, character, and supporting roles
Honored with the Padma Shri in 2015 for his contributions to Indian cinema
Received the SIIMA Best Supporting Actor award for Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum (2012)
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Impact & Legacy
Renowned for redefining villain roles with depth and distinctive dialogue delivery
Actor Chiranjeevi referred to him as a “multifaceted genius,” while other luminaries like Jr NTR, Ravi Teja, Vishnu Manchu, and SS Rajamouli paid touching tributes after his passing
Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu observed that his theatrical and cinematic contributions “will remain unforgettable
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Final Thoughts
Kota Srinivasa Rao’s four-decade journey through Indian cinema exemplified a rare combination of versatility, power, and authenticity. He moved effortlessly between menacing villains, lovable comedians, and soulful character roles—creating a lasting legacy in every language he performed. His contributions, both on-screen and in public life, have left an indelible mark on audiences, artists, and the broader cultural fabric of Indian cinema.
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