After angry SS Rajamouli pushes fan as he approaches for a selfie, Jr NTR confronts similar scene; Shuts down 'Jai NTR' chants, says 'Jai Kota Srinivasa Rao' instead
Telugu superstar
Jr NTR
attended the funeral of veteran actor
Kota Srinivasa Rao
on Sunday (July 13). While the day was meant to honour the life and legacy of one of Telugu cinema's most iconic talents, a few fans unintentionally disrupted the sombre moment, leading to a strong yet respectful response from the 'RRR' star.
In a video shared on social media, Jr NTR is seen speaking to the media outside Kota Srinivasa Rao's residence after paying his last respects. As he addressed the press, the actor praised the late legend for his immeasurable contributions to cinema. "Let's celebrate the legacy he left behind through his unforgettable performances, across all our mediums, without sorrow," he said in Telugu.
Jr NTR corrects overenthusiastic fans
However, just as he was wrapping up his statement, a section of fans gathered nearby began chanting, "Jai NTR!", a gesture that did not sit well with the actor. In a video circulating on social media, Jr NTR is seen walking away from the media podium, only to immediately return, visibly upset. He sternly pointed towards the fans and said, "No. Jai Kota Srinivasa Rao!"
The fans quickly corrected themselves and repeated the actor's respectful chant, while others at the funeral applauded Jr NTR's gesture.
SS Rajamouli
also upset as fan pushes for selfie
This wasn't the only instance of fan behaviour that drew media eyeballs. Another video captured director SS Rajamouli visibly annoyed as a fan pursued him for a selfie, even when Rajamouli was leaving with his wife Rama. He can be seen pushing the fan aside and appearing irritated by the lack of basic manners.
About Kota Srinivasa Rao
Veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao died at age 83 following age-related illnesses. As a Padma Shri awardee, Rao acted in over 750 films in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi movies.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
37 minutes ago
- The Hindu
How B. Saroja Devi became Kannada cinema's female superstar
B Saroja Devi, who passed away at 87 on Monday (July 14, 2025), is a great example of a self-made star. Debuting in Kannada with Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955), she broke the glass ceiling to become a pan-India phenomenon and came to be hailed as the first female superstar of Kannada cinema. In an industry dominated by male stars, Saroja Devi carved a niche for herself. Be it with Dr Rajkumar in Kannada, MG Ramachandran and Sivaji Ganesan in Tamil, or N.T. Rama Rao in Telugu, Saroja Devi maintained a strong screen presence opposite some of the biggest heroes of Indian cinema. National Award-winning actor Tara calls her a guiding light in her career. 'She would always tell me to be independent as a woman. She would encourage several actors like me to fight for our rights in the industry,' remembers Tara, a point reiterated by several women actors of the industry. 'She built a distinct legacy of her own which remains eternal,' opines author and film writer Muralidhara Khajane. Saroja Devi inspired her contemporaries and paved the way for her successors. 'She should get the credit for spreading the essence of Kannada cinema across countries,' says Mr. Khajane. Her illustrious career was fuelled by dedication, notes author and journalist Sreedhara Murthy. Her debut, Mahakavi Kalidasa, is about the legends of the poet Kalidasa. There are several slokas in the movie. Saroja Devi has recited them so convincingly. To do that in your first film requires great hard work.' ALSO READ:Saroja Devi, a powerhouse in Telugu cinema who shone in both period and social dramas Saroja Devi entered the film industry with no formal training in acting. Yet, she was a gifted artiste. A brilliant Bharatanatyam dancer and a stage singer, Saroja Devi could add life to songs on the big screen. 'She is so graceful in the song 'Nillu Nee Neelaveni' in Amarashilpi Jakanachari (1964),' observes Murthy. The B S Ranga directorial, starring Kalyankumar, was Kannada's first colour feature, and Saroja Devi delivered a standout performance as Manjari. 'In Rathnagiri Rahasya, she makes a short appearance in 'Yavvanave Ee Yavvanave', and yet, her presence lingers on throughout the movie,' recollects Murthy. Following her prime period, she transformed into a dependable character actor. Bhagyavantharu, in which she played the supportive wife to Dr Rajkumar's character, is her most memorable work in the second stage of her career. 'She would star in mythological and historical films in Telugu starring N T Rama Rao and do social dramas with MGR and Sivaji Ganesan in Tamil. She had a royal face to suit the period drama genre, and her expressive acting helped her convincingly portray relatable characters,' notes film historian K Puttaswamy. Saroja Devi would dub her lines in all languages. Actor-politician Sumalatha Ambareesh says she will miss the affectionate attitude of Saroja Devi. 'She was a huge star, but she never carried the air of being popular. She was inspirational for her genuine personality,' says Sumalatha.
India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
Shiva Rajkumar to Vijay Sethupathi, celebs mourn B Saroja Devi's death
Veteran actor B Saroja Devi, a towering figure in Indian cinema across languages, died at the age of 87 in Bengaluru due to age-related ailments. Known for her prolific work in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi films, she was one of the earliest pan-Indian female stars whose career shaped the golden era of South Indian cinema. Her death has left a void across industries, with prominent stars and colleagues paying heartfelt tributes on social actors Rajinikanth and Khushbu Sundar offered their condolences, actor Shiva Rajkumar personally visited the late actor's residence to offer his respects to the her with deep emotion, he told the media, 'We cannot forget her. She was a good person. She showed love and affection like a mother. I can say that I have lost my mother...' Here's the post: Actor Sudeep paid tribute with a heartfelt note in Kannada on X, writing, "Known as the Goddess of Acting, the multilingual star Mrs. Saroja Devi has set out with her charm. Possessing the pride of many languages, she has acted alongside numerous legends, becoming the character itself and remaining eternal on the silver screen. Like a Parijata flower, she has lived a full life with her fragrance and has now departed from us. Humble salutations to the Goddess of Art"Here's the post: Darshan expressed his sadness in a Kannada post, writing, "The news of the passing of the veteran artist, Padma Bhushan B. Sarojadevi, renowned as the Saraswati of acting, has deeply saddened me. Praying for eternal peace for her soul, I beseech God to grant strength to her family and her countless fans to bear the pain of her departure. Om Shanti."Here's the post: Ramya offered a personal reflection, writing, "Saroja Devi avru was a family friend and every time we met, she shared so many personal anecdotes from her life, most of them humorous — she was always full of life and impeccably dressed! What a legacy of work she leaves behind for all her fans! She will be missed."Here's the post: Simran, who acted with Saroja Devi in the Tamil film 'Once More', shared, "The iconic Saroja Devi amma is no more, but her legacy in Indian cinema will remain eternal. I was blessed to share the screen with her in 'Once More', a moment of pride that feels even more precious today. My deepest respects and prayers. May her soul rest in peace. Om Shanti #SarojaDevi"Here's the post: Vijay Sethupathi also paid his respects with a simple tribute: "RIP #SarojaDevi Madam."Here's the post: A beloved icon of South Indian cinema, Saroja Devi worked with legends like MG Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan from Tamil Industry and Dr Rajkumar from the Kannada film industry. In Telugu, her collaborations with N.T. Rama Rao and A. Nageswara Rao were equally celebrated. Though her era has come to a close, her legacy will live on through the timeless performances she leaves behind.- Ends
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Shruti Sharma returns to Telugu cinema with Agent Sai Srinivasa Athreya director, calls it 'a reunion'
Shruti Sharma made her regional film debut with Telugu cinema in 2019 film Agent Sai Srinivasa Athreya. The actor now tells us, that after 6 years she has signed her second project with the directors of her Telugu film, Swaroop R. S. J. and calls it a homecoming in more ways than one. Shruti Sharma Expressing her excitement, Shruti tells us, 'I've worked in Telugu cinema before, and now I'm back — with the same team, same director, same production house. It's like a reunion with purpose. As an actor, I get to explore various roles in not just Hindi projects but across mediums and languages.' She further adds, 'This comeback is special. It feels like going back to where it all started — but this time with more strength, more stories, and more love.' The actor, who was seen in the recently released web series Mitti, says that the waiting period is the hardest and often leads to self doubt especially when you are offered great daily TV shows. Shruti's showbiz journey began with TV reality show India's Next Superstars (2018) and she made her television debut with Gathbandhan in 2019. The actor has been a part of handful of show until end of 2020, after which she choose to focus on films and OTT. While web projects are on her mind, she mentions how there were days when she had major self doubt and wanted to pick a project out of the many TV shows she was being offered. Shruti says, 'There was a phase when I had to say no to really good offers on TV because I was transitioning,' she recalls. 'There were days I cried thinking I was making a mistake. But my mom and brother told me to stay patient. And I did and it has started paying off in the best way.' Shruti, who also featured in filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali's acclaimed series Heeramandi, further adds, 'I was in Vietnam and Thailand when people who met me said they had seen my work in Heeramandi. That's a blessing. And now, I am also a part of Heeramandi 2.' Shruti pinpoints, that auditioning never stops. "It never stops, it never did for me. One show doesn't make or break it. Even after Heeramandi's success, I had to audition for other roles. That's the reality of the industry.' As she steps back into the Telugu industry, Shruti carries with her not just talent, but a mix of experience, resilience, and an unshakable sense of self.
