Latest news with #PranamKhareedhu


Mint
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Padma Shri recipient Kota Srinivasa Rao dies at 83 — All to know about ‘Teerpu' actor known for his iconic villain roles
Kota Srinivasa Rao death: Legendary Telugu film actor and former BJP MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away at the age of 83 at his residence in Filmnagar in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. On July 10, he marked his 83rd birthday. Born in 1942 in Kankipadu, Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, the actor debuted in the entertainment industry with 'Pranam Khareedhu' in 1978. During his college years, he participated in plays while pursuing Bachelor of Science degree. Before entering the film industry, he worked as a State Bank employee. He featured in over 750 films over a period spanning more than four decades. In addition to working in Telugu cinema, he also took up roles in Tamil, Kannada and Hindi movies. Known for villainous roles, his exceptional acting skills were recognised several times. He was honoured with nine state Nandi Awards and SIIMA Award for his work in Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum. Besides this, he received the Padma Shri in 2015, India's fourth highest civilian honour, for his contribution to Indian cinema. Besides an illustrious career in film industry, he played significant role as a political leader between 1999 and 2004 after he was elected as the MLA from Vijayawada East. He had worked opposite several superstars, including Chiranjeevi, Mahesh Babu, Krishna, Balakrishna, Nagarjuna, Pawan Kalyan, Allu Arjun, Venkatesh and Sai Dharam Tej. Kota Srinivasa Rao drew fame for his work in some of the critically acclaimed movies, including Pratighatana (1985), Gaayam (1993), Teerpu (1994), Little Soldiers (1996), Ganesh (1998), Chinna (2001), Prudhvi Narayana (2002), Aa Naluguru (2004) and Pellaina Kothalo (2006).


Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Actor and ex-MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao dies at 83. A look at his acting career and best movies
In an industry where heroes often claim the spotlight, Kota Srinivasa Rao built a towering legacy in the shadows, with just his voice, a glance, or a mocking smile. The veteran actor , known for redefining negative roles in Telugu cinema , passed away early Sunday at the age of 83 at his residence in Filmnagar, Hyderabad, after days of illness. A look at his illustrative career Born in Kankipadu, Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, Kota Srinivasa Rao began his acting journey in the world of theatre. Known for his commanding presence and baritone voice, he transitioned to films with the 1978 movie Pranam Khareedhu. Over the next four decades, Rao became a fixture in Telugu cinema, featuring in more than 750 films and leaving an indelible mark in every genre — from villainous roles to comedy, drama, and politics. A master of transformation Whether it was the ruthless antagonists in Gaayam or Ganesh, or the warm father figures in Bommarillu and Aa Naluguru, he brought nuance and depth to every performance. His roles in films like Ahana Pellanta, Shiva, Yamudiki Mogudu, Bobbili Raja, Athadu, Santosham, and Race Gurram remain unforgettable to Telugu audiences. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Seniors in the Philippines Can Enjoy Affordable Private Health Insurance! (See List) Health Insurance | Search Ads Search Now Undo His portrayal of an MLA in Julayi was so convincing, it almost mirrored his real-life political stint — Kota served as an elected MLA from the Vijayawada East constituency from 1999 to 2004. His legacy of awards and critical acclaim Kota Srinivasa Rao's immense contribution to cinema didn't go unnoticed. He won multiple Nandi Awards, including Best Villain (Gaayam, Teerpu, Ganesh), Best Character Actor (Aa Naluguru, Pellaina Kothalo), and a Special Jury Award for Pratighatana. In 2012, he also bagged the SIIMA Award for Best Supporting Actor for Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum. His last movie Rao was last seen in Kabzaa in 2023, a multilingual period action film starring Upendra Rao, Shiva Rajkumar, Kiccha Sudeepa, and others. Even in his final roles, his screen presence remained sharp and magnetic.


Economic Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao passes away
Synopsis Veteran Telugu actor and former MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away at 83, after battling illness. Known for his versatile roles in over 750 films, including memorable performances in 'Naayak' and 'Athadu', Rao left an indelible mark on Telugu cinema. His career spanned four decades, showcasing his talent as a villain, comedian, and character actor. ANI Kota Srinivasa Rao Veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away aged 83 on Sunday at his residence after in Filmnagar, Hyderabad. battling illness for the past few days. Rao was born in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, and began his journey in cinema with the 1978 film Pranam Khareedhu. In his career spanning over four decades, he featured in over 750 films in Telugu cinema. Rao played negative roles and redefined them with distinctive performances. He was also an acclaimed theatre artist, known for his commanding voice and expressive acting. He is remembered for his role in one of Ram Charan's hit films Naayak, released in 2013. Throughout his career, he portrayed a variety of characters — from villains and comic roles to emotionally layered supporting characters. He shared screen space with legendary stars and younger actors alike, including Krishna, Chiranjeevi, Balakrishna, Nagarjuna, Venkatesh, Mahesh Babu, Pawan Kalyan, Allu Arjun, and Sai Dharam of his most memorable films include Ahana Pellanta, Pratighatana, Yamudiki Mogudu, Khaidi No.786, Shiva, Bobbili Raja, Yamaleela, Santosham, Bommarillu, Athadu, and Race Gurram. Srinivasa Rao also served as an MLA from the Vijayawada East constituency between 1999 and 2004. His on-screen politician roles were also well received in Tollywood. 'Julayi', starring Allu Arjun, is one such film in which Rao played the role of an MLA. The renknowned actor was last seen in Kabzaa (2023), directed by R. Chandru. The film features an ensemble cast including Upendra Rao, Shiva Rajkumar, Kiccha Sudeepa, Shriya Saran, Sudha, Murali Sharma, Dev Gill, Kabir Duhan Singh, Danish Akhtar Saifi, and Posani Krishna demise marks the end of an era, and he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of actors and Pradesh Chief Minister paid tribute to the actor, saying, "The demise of the renowned actor Kota Srinivasa Rao, who won the affection of cinema audiences with his versatile roles, is deeply saddening. His artistic contributions to the fields of cinema and theatre over nearly four decades, and the roles he portrayed, will remain unforgettable. The numerous memorable roles he played as a villain and character artist will forever stay etched in the hearts of Telugu audiences.""His passing is an irreparable loss to the Telugu film industry. In 1999, he won as an MLA from Vijayawada and served the public. I express my profound condolences to his family members."


NDTV
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Veteran Telugu Actor And Ex BJP MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao Dies At 83
Hyderabad: Veteran Telugu film actor and former BJP MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao died at the age of 83 due to prolonged illness at his residence in Filmnagar in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. The actor died in the early hours of Monday, two days after his 83rd birthday. Born in Kankipadu in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, Mr Rao made his debut with 'Pranam Khareedhu' in 1978. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he acted in over 750 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi languages, gaining fame for his versatile performances, particularly in villainous and character roles. Some of his notable films include 'Aha Naa Pellanta!,' 'Pratigatana,' 'Khaidi Number 786,' 'Shiva,' and 'Yamaleela.' He was a recipient of numerous awards, including the Padma Shri in 2015 for his immense contribution to Indian cinema, and nine Nandi Awards. Beyond his acting career, he also served as a BJP MLA from the Vijayawada East Assembly constituency from 1999 to 2004. The Telugu film industry is mourning the loss of the legendary actor, with tributes pouring in from colleagues and fans.


Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Veteran Telugu actor Kota Srinivasa Rao passes away
Kota Srinivasa Ra dies: Veteran Telugu actor and former BJP MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away on Sunday after prolonged illness. He was 83. Rao breathed his last at his residence in Filmnagar in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. Kota Srinivasa Rao made his silver screen debut with Pranam Khareedhu in 1978. In a career spanning more than four decades, he appeared in over 750 movies across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi cinema, earning acclaim for his villainous and character roles. Some of his notable movies include Siva, Gaayam, Money, Satruvu, Aha Naa Pellanta, Bommarillu, Athadu, Rakta Charitra, Leader, S/O Satyamurthy, and Attarintiki Daredi. He was last seen in the Kannada film Kabzaa. Kota Srinivasa Rao was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2015. He also won nine Nandi awards. Celebrities, politicians and fans took to social media to mourn the demise of Kota Srinivasa Rao. Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu took to X (formerly Twitter) to pay tribute to Rao. Naidu's post read, 'The passing of veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao, who won the hearts of film audiences through his diverse roles, is deeply saddening. His artistic contributions to cinema and theatre over nearly four decades, and the unforgettable characters he portrayed, will be remembered forever. The many memorable roles he played—as both a villain and a character actor—have left a lasting impression on Telugu audiences. His death is an irreparable loss to the Telugu film industry. In 1999, he also served the public as an MLA from Vijayawada. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family.' Actor Ravi Teja wrote on X, 'Grew up watching him, admiring him, and learning from every performance. Kota Babai was like family to me, I cherish the lovely memories of working with him. Rest in peace, Kota Srinivasa Rao garu Om Shanti.' A fan posted, 'Be it villain, character artist, comedian, or father roles. he would effortlessly ace them all. One of the most versatile actors our industry has ever seen. The range and versatility he showcased were truly on another level. Rest in peace, legend. #KotaSrinivasaRao.'