Kota Srinivasa Rao: Tollywood legend with 750 films.
Known for his powerful portrayals of villains, compelling lead characters, and even light-hearted comedic roles, he has left an enduring impact on audiences. With a career spanning decades, he has acted in over 750 films, predominantly in Telugu cinema. His talent, however, extended beyond Tollywood, with memorable performances in Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam films as well.
Tollywood Icon Kota Srinivasa Rao Passes Away at 83, Leaving Behind a Legacy That Transcends Generations
In a heartfelt loss to Indian cinema and cultural heritage, veteran Telugu actor and former lawmaker Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away in the early hours of Sunday at his residence in Filmnagar, Hyderabad. He was 83.
According to family members, Kota had been battling health complications and age-related ailments for some time. His only son, Kota Prasad Rao, tragically lost his life in a road accident in Hyderabad in 2010—a loss that had deeply affected the actor and from which he never fully recovered.
A Storied Life Rooted in Culture and CharacterMultifaceted personality whose work spanned theatre, cinema, music, and politics. Raised in an environment steeped in artistic sensibilities, it was his mother, Kota Seetharama Anasuyamma, who first recognised and nurtured his creative instincts.
From his school days, Kota showed a penchant for acting, often participating in stage dramas and literary events. His early performances reflected a rare maturity, and it was clear he was born to perform. But unlike many who pursue acting from the outset, Kota began his professional life in a very different world—working at the State Bank of India. Even while balancing his banking job, he continued to pursue theatre, refusing to let his passion fade.
From Stage to Screen: A Versatile Giant EmergesKota’s cinematic journey began relatively late. He made his film debut in 1978 with the Telugu movie Pranam Khareedu, but what followed was a phenomenal rise. Over the next four decades, he acted in over 750 films, mastering a range of characters—from menacing villains and powerful character roles to humorous and even emotionally stirring performances. He brought an unmistakable depth to every role he played, often overshadowing lead actors with his screen presence and dialogue delivery.
His final Telugu film appearance was in Suvarna Sundari (2023), a fitting conclusion to an illustrious career that lasted well over 45 years.
Though predominantly known for his work in Tollywood, Kota’s talent transcended linguistic boundaries. He acted in 30 Tamil films, 10 Hindi films, 8 Kannada movies, and one Malayalam film, earning admiration from across India. Directors and critics alike hailed his ability to adapt to any script or genre. He was a master of voice modulation and emotive expression, and his scenes often lingered in the minds of audiences long after the credits rolled.
Accolades That Spoke VolumesKota’s artistic excellence was widely recognised. He won nine prestigious Nandi Awards, a record few could match, for roles that showcased his immense range—from tragic to comic, and from villainous to virtuous. His crowning moment came in 2015, when he was honoured with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award. He received it from then-President Pranab Mukherjee, a moment Kota later described as one of the proudest in his life.
Beyond acting, Kota even lent his voice to playback singing in a few Telugu films, further highlighting his multifaceted talent. His love for the performing arts was holistic and genuine.
A Brief Yet Impactful Political CareerKota’s influence wasn’t confined to cinema. With a strong sense of social responsibility, he entered politics and served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Vijayawada East constituency, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from 1999 to 2004. Known for his integrity and down-to-earth demeanour, Kota used his platform to advocate for education, art, and public welfare.
Even after exiting active politics, he continued to mentor young artists and remained an articulate voice in public discourse related to cinema and social development.
A Nation MournsCondolences have poured in from across the country following the announcement of Kota Srinivasa Rao’s death. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter):
“Anguished by the passing of Shri Kota Srinivas Rao Garu. He enthralled audiences across generations with his riveting performances. Condolences to his family and countless admirers.”
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also paid tribute:
Andhra Pradesh Governor Abdul Nazeer, in a statement from Raj Bhavan, reflected on the actor’s cultural contributions:
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, and numerous Tollywood stars also joined the nation in mourning.
YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said in his post:
“Rao’s versatile performances left an indelible mark in Indian cinema.