Veteran Actor Kota Srinivasa Rao Passes Away at 83 – A Tribute to Telugu Cinema’s Icon

A versatile revolutionary actor of the Telugu film world, Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away on July 13, 2025 at the age of 83.
He was known for his facial expressions, dialogue skills and stage presence.

He has been an icon of Indian cinema for over forty years.

Srinivasa Rao’s journey as a great actor
Kota Srinivasa Rao was born on July 10, 1942 in Kannappadu, Andhra Pradesh.

After working in a bank, he gained fame on the stage and then started acting in cinema.

He made his screen debut in 1978 with the film Pranam Kareedu. He has acted in more than 750 films in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi and other languages. He has played the role of a comedian and villain.

Kotta Srinivasa Rao has won awards for his acting in Petra films.
Kotta Srinivasa Rao has received various awards for his acting.

He has won 9 Nandi Awards, the biggest awards in Telugu cinema.

In 2015, he was awarded the Padma Shri, an honorary award given by the Government of India to the arts.

Films that showcase his acting talent are

Aga Na Bellanda
Aa Naluguru
Prathikadana
Malluvetti Minor
Tagore
Leader
Murari

Beyond the Screen Rebellion

Kotta Srinivasa Rao has also been involved in politics apart from films, and was elected as an MLA from Vijayawada East constituency from 1999 to 2004 on behalf of the BJP. He is very passionate about politics and Telugu language and culture.