Padma Shri Awardee Kota Srinivasa Rao Passes Away at 83 in Hyderabad
Padma Shri Awardee Kota Srinivasa Rao Passes Away at 83 in Hyderabad
Legendary Telugu actor and Padma Shri recipient Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away in the early hours of Sunday at his residence in Filmnagar, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. He was 83 and had been battling illness over the past few days.
The veteran actor, who celebrated his 83rd birthday on July 10, leaves behind a cinematic legacy spanning more than four decades. Known for his powerful negative roles and versatile performances, Kota Srinivasa Rao starred in over 750 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi cinema.
A Journey from Stage to Stardom
Born in 1942 in Kankipadu, Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, Rao entered the entertainment industry with his debut film ‘Pranam Khareedhu’ (1978). He initially worked as a State Bank employee before pursuing acting full-time. During his college years, he actively participated in theatre, laying the foundation for his prolific film career.
Cinematic Contributions and Awards
Renowned for redefining villainous roles, Kota worked with top stars like Chiranjeevi, Mahesh Babu, Nagarjuna, Balakrishna, Pawan Kalyan, and Allu Arjun. His standout performances in films such as Pratighatana (1985), Gaayam (1993), Teerpu (1994), Aa Naluguru (2004), and Naayak (2013) earned him critical acclaim.
Rao was honoured with nine Nandi Awards, a SIIMA Award for Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum, and the Padma Shri in 2015, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, for his contribution to Indian cinema.
A Political Stint
Apart from films, Kota Srinivasa Rao also had a successful political career. He served as an MLA from Vijayawada East between 1999 and 2004 as a BJP representative.
A Legacy Remembered
Kota Srinivasa Rao’s demise marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. Fans, celebrities, and political leaders across the country are mourning the loss of the iconic actor who left an indelible mark on Indian films.
