Latest news with #KotaSrinivasaRao
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Rich tributes paid to actor Kota Srinivasa Rao at condolence meeting in Vijayawada
The passing of Kota Srinivasa Rao, a towering figure in Indian cinema and public life, was marked with deep emotion and reverence at a condolence meeting held here on Friday. Andhra Pradesh BJP State president P.V.N. Madhav, speaking as the chief guest, described Kota Srinivasa Rao as a 'fearless cultural warrior' who championed Hindutva ideals both on screen and in politics. He lauded Kota's outspoken criticism of anti-Hindu rhetoric and his unwavering stand for Telugu pride in the film industry. Minister for Health and Family Welfare Y. Satya Kumar Yadav highlighted Kota's significant contributions to public service, especially his efforts to provide housing for the urban poor through the Valmiki Ambedkar Yojana (VAMBAY). Veteran actor and former minister Babu Mohan, speaking over the phone, turned emotional as he reminisced about their decades-long friendship and memorable on-screen partnership. Other dignitaries, including Kamineni Srinivasa Rao, Samineni Udayabhanu, Dara Sambayya, and several BJP and NDA leaders, paid heartfelt tributes to the late actor. Kota Srinivasa Rao, who appeared in over 750 films and won nine Nandi Awards, was honoured with the Padma Shri for his unparalleled contributions to Indian cinema. His legacy of powerful performances and principled public service continues to inspire generations. The event, led by NTR District BJP president Adduri Sriram, drew a large gathering of political leaders, film personalities, and admirers from across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Dr. M. Mohan Babu Pays Respects to the Family of Late Kota Srinivasa Rao
Tollywood senior actor Dr. M. Mohan Babu garu visited the family of the late Kota Srinivasa Rao, expressing his deep condolences and reminiscing about their long-standing bond. Recalling their shared memories, Mohan Babu spoke about the close friendship and warmth he had with Kota Srinivasa Rao and expressed his grief over not being in Hyderabad on the day of his passing. Speaking to the media, Dr. Mohan Babu said, "Kota Srinivasa Rao was a dear friend, someone very close to my heart. I wasn't in Hyderabad on the day of his sudden demise, and his passing left me deeply shocked. I came today to personally offer my condolences to his family. He fondly remembered a phone call from Kota on the day of the 'Kannappa' release, "Kota called me to say the film was excellent and that Vishnu received great appreciation for his performance. That meant a lot." Reflecting on their professional journey, Mohan Babu shared: "Back in 1987, I gave him a significant role as a magician and the main villain in my film Veera Pratap, produced under my own banner. Since then, we've acted together in several films, both under my production and others. Kota was a phenomenal actor, capable of delivering any kind of dialogue with impeccable modulation, whether it was a villain, a comedian, or a character role. He brought life to every performance with absolute ease." Mohan Babu also emphasized how close Kota was to his own family: "Kota Srinivasa Rao wasn't just a co-star; he was like family. His loss is not just a personal one for us but a huge void for the entire film industry. I pray for eternal peace for his soul and strength for his family during this difficult time."
News18
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Kota Srinivasa Rao's Wealth: Who Will Inherit The Late Actor's Massive Fortune?
Many images spring to mind when the name Kota Srinivasa Rao is mentioned. The veteran actor, who entertained nearly three generations and portrayed a myriad of distinctive roles on the silver screen, passed away on July 13, 2025. His close friends mourned his loss with tears, while discussions have since turned to the substantial assets he accumulated during his lifetime. Kota Srinivasa Rao enjoyed a long and illustrious career, dazzling audiences with his extraordinary acting skills across diverse roles, be it as a comedian, villain, or character artist. He remains a towering figure in Tollywood, holding an indelible place in the Telugu film industry's history. Before entering cinema, Kota Srinivasa Rao worked at the State Bank of India but chose to leave a promising job and a comfortable salary to pursue his passion for acting. Over a career spanning 45 years, he featured in more than 800 films, building a massive fan base. His debut came with the film Pranam Kharidhu in 1978, and he steadily rose to prominence. Whatever the role, Kota Srinivasa Rao immersed himself fully, earning widespread acclaim. Beyond villainous parts, he also delighted audiences with his comic, emotional, and serious performances. Notably, his collaborations with Babu Mohan in over 60 films showcased his impeccable comic timing. Films such as Aha! Naa Pellanta!! (1987), Mamagaru (1991), Hello Brother (1994), and Athadu (2005) remain cherished classics among fans. Kota Srinivasa Rao also dabbled in politics, serving as an MLA for Vijayawada from 1999 to 2004. His contributions to cinema earned him nine Nandi Awards and the prestigious Padma Shri. Throughout his career, he demonstrated sound financial acumen, investing wisely in real estate. Reports suggest he owned several open plots around Hyderabad and a luxurious property in Hyderabad's Film Nagar, with his total movable and immovable assets estimated to be over Rs 100 crore. The question of his heirs has now become a topic of much speculation. His only son, Anjaneya Prasad, tragically died in a road accident in June 2010. While Kota Srinivasa Rao is survived by two well-settled daughters, his son's two children, his grandsons, are widely expected to inherit his estate.
Hindustan Times
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Prakash Raj pays honest tribute to Kota Srinivasa Rao; talks about his sarcasm: ‘Not everybody liked him…'
Veteran actor-comedian Kota Srinivasa Rao died in Hyderabad on Sunday. He was 83 and died due to age-related issues at his Filmnagar residence. Prakash Raj paid an honest tribute while speaking to the press at Kota's last rites, calling him a 'sarcastic' person whom not everyone liked. (Also Read: Angry Jr NTR scolds fans for chanting 'Jai NTR' at Kota Srinivasa Rao's funeral, internet applauds gesture of respect) Kota Srinivasa Rao was straightforward and sarcastic, says Prakash Raj, remembering his colleague and friend. Prakash Raj on Kota Srinivasa Rao Prakash spoke to the press on Sunday after paying his last respects to Kota. He spoke of how, before he came to the Telugu film industry, he would watch the veteran's films and be inspired by him. 'When I came here, I had the privilege of working with such a unique person in many films,' said Prakash. He then spoke candidly about Kota's sarcastic and straightforward nature, which did not sit well with everyone. 'Not everybody liked him because he never tried to please anyone. As an actor, he had a clear picture of how to play his character and wanted people to appreciate good cinema. He even fought for the importance of Telugu artists in Tollywood. People thought he was envious of others getting opportunities, but I saw the honesty in his plea.' Given that Prakash was also at the forefront of this conversation, seeing as how he's from Karnataka, he claimed that Kota defended him when it came down to it. 'Someone once brought me up when he said that, but he defended me, saying I learnt Telugu, so I belonged here. But it's not like I never faced his sarcasm. I took it happily, because he earned the right to do that,' said Prakash. Prakash also spoke of how Kota experienced a 'lot of pain' in his life, but persevered and never used it for gain. He ended his tribute with, 'Thank you, Kota garu, for everything. We love you, we miss you.' About Kota Srinivasa Rao Kota Srinivasa Rao was one of the most notable actors in Telugu cinema and theatre. In his long and illustrious career, he also acted in numerous Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi films. Debuting with Pranam Khareedu in 1978, he played everything from silly characters to chilling villains. His last film will be Krish and Jyothi Krisna's Hari Hara Veera Mallu with Pawan Kalyan, which will be released on 24 July.
Hindustan Times
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Brahmanandam breaks down as he pays tribute to friend of 40 years, Kota Srinivasa Rao: ‘Cannot come to terms…'
Veteran actor-comedian Kota Srinivasa Rao died at age 83 on Sunday in Hyderabad due to an illness. Numerous celebrities, including his close friend Brahmanandam, went to his Filmnagar home to pay their respects. Talking to the press after meeting the grieving family, Brahmanandam broke down while remembering his friend. (Also Read: Prakash Raj pays honest tribute to Kota Srinivasa Rao; talks about his sarcasm: 'Not everybody liked him…') Brahmanandam couldn't hold back tears as he spoke to the press about one of his closest friends, Kota Srinivasa Rao. Brahmanandam breaks down while talking about Kota Srinivasa Rao Brahmanandam recollected how there was a time in Tollywood when he, Kota and Babu Mohan would be cast in every film. He said, 'Kota Srinivasa Rao and I have acted together in hundreds of films. I don't need to specifically tell everyone how great an actor he was. There was a decade when Kota, Babu Mohan and I would be in every film made. We worked together 18-20 hours per day.' While trying to hold back tears, Brahmanandam continued to talk about their friendship and said, 'For four decades now, arey orey anukuntu kalisi unnam (we've been close friends). Today, I cannot come to terms with Kota's death. I believe Kota will be alive as long as there's acting. He is a great man, he is the son of Nataraja, and he would speak without reservations. His death is a void that cannot be replaced.' Brahmanandam and Kota worked together in numerous films like Aha Naa Pellanta, Intlo Illalu Vantintlo Priyuralu, Muta Mestri and more. About Kota Srinivasa Rao Kota Srinivasa Rao is one of the most prolific actors in Tollywood, having also worked in other south Indian languages and Hindi over the years. He began his career with the 1978 film Pranam Khareedu and had since acted with numerous stars, including Chiranjeevi, Krishna, Venkatesh, Mahesh Babu, Jr NTR and others. He scaled back on signing films after the pandemic due to ill health. Having last been seen in the 2023 Kannada film Kabzaa and Suvarna Sundari in Telugu the same year, his last film will be Krish and Jyothi Krisna's Hari Hara Veera Mallu with Pawan Kalyan. The film will be released on 24 July.
