Kota Srinivasa Rao, born on July 10, 1942, in Kankipadu, Andhra Pradesh, began his artistic journey on the theatre stage before moving into banking at the State Bank of India. However, his passion for acting drew him toward cinema, and he made his film debut in 1978 with Pranam Khareedu. Over the next four decades, he went on to act in more than 750 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi languages.
A Master of Versatility
Rao was known for his unmatched ability to portray a wide range of characters from ruthless villains to lovable father figures and comic roles. Some of his most celebrated performances came in films like Aha Naa Pellanta!, Gaayam, Siva, Bommarillu, Athadu, and Race Gurram. His unique voice, commanding presence, and emotional depth earned him nine prestigious Nandi Awards and the Padma Shri in 2015 for his contribution to Indian cinema.
Life Beyond the Camera
In addition to his acting career, Kota Srinivasa Rao served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Vijayawada East between 1999 and 2004. He was a respected voice in both cinema and politics. His life took a tragic turn when his son passed away in a road accident in 2010. Despite personal loss, he returned to acting with renewed purpose and continued to entertain audiences.
Final Goodbye to a Legend
The veteran actor passed away on July 13, 2025, just two days after celebrating his 83rd birthday. He died peacefully at his residence in Hyderabad following a prolonged illness. Tributes poured in from across the film industry, with actors and directors calling him a pillar of Tollywood.
Kota Srinivasa Rao’s legacy will live on through his powerful performances and immense contribution to Indian cinema.
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