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The Hindu
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
A banker who stepped into the silver screen to captivate millions
Veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao, known for portraying characters of diverse shades on screen, led an equally multifaceted life off-screen. He began as a science student to fulfil his father's dream of seeing him become a doctor, before stepping into the world of banking. Even while working as a banker, his heart belonged to the stage, and he actively pursued theatre. Eventually, driven by passion and purpose, he took the final plunge into the Telugu film industry, where he went on to leave an indelible mark with his extraordinary performances. Born in Kankipadu village, a suburb of Vijayawada, on July 10, 1942, Kota Srinivasa Rao initially pursued a course in Bachelor of Science to fulfil his father Seetha Ramanjaneyulu's desire to see his son following his footsteps and become a doctor like him. But the pull of acting proved irresistible, and he was drawn to the theatre. 'I spoke to him over the phone just a few days ago. If only I had known the end was near, I would have lingered a little longer and told him how much he meant to me and the industry,' said founder of Telugu Cinema Vedika and vice-president of Andhra Pradesh Film Chamber of Commerce Vijay Varma Pakalapati. Mr. Varma was the executive producer of the film Premalo Pavani Kalyan, in which Kota Srinivasa Rao played the heroine's grandfather. The actor married Rukmini and the couple had three children, two daughters and a son. Their son, Kota Venkata Anjaneya Prasad, who also acted in J.D. Chakravarthy's film Siddham and alongside his father in Gaayam 2, died in a road accident in Hyderabad on June 20, 2010. Though life treated him harshly on the personal front, with his wife's chronic illness, a daughter suffering a serious accident and the loss of his son to a tragic mishap, Kota Srinivasa Rao never allowed grief to eclipse his craft. 'He would at times share his emotional burdens. But once the camera rolled, he transformed. The pain, however deep, never touched his performance. He gave every scene his fullest, every character his heart. Be it a villain, a comedian, a stern father, or a politician, he lived his roles with unwavering commitment,' recalls senior director Devi Prasad. Recalling his experience of working with Kota Srinivasa Rao, he said in the film Rajdoot he played the hero's father and Kota Srinivasa's son. 'Venkatesh-starrer Shatru, released in 1991 brought him fame, he said, adding that the film was directed by Kodi Ramakrishna and he was the associate director. 'There was a gap of a few years after his first film Pranam Khareedu. Then came Pratighatana and Vande Maataram and after this, there was no turning back for Kota Srinivasa Rao,' says Mr. Prasad. In Pratighatana, use of the Nizam's slang by himstruck a chord with the audiences and he won their hearts. 'He brought a definite charm and authenticity to every role, he said, adding: 'How I wish we had more of him'.
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Veteran Telugu actor, former BJP MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao passes away at 83
Rao, who had been unwell for several years now, breathed his last in the early hours of Sunday at his residence Press Trust of India Veteran Telugu actor and former BJP MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao, known for his highly acclaimed performances, passed away here due to old age-related ailments on Sunday. He was 83. Rao, who had been unwell for several years now, breathed his last in the early hours of Sunday at his residence here, film industry sources said. Srinivasa Rao has acted in 750 films in a career spanning more than four decades. He debuted in the 1978 film 'Pranam Khareedu', which also marked the debut of superstar Chiranjeevi. Some of his most acclaimed works include 'Pratighatana', 'Satruvu', 'Ahana Pellanta', 'Hello Brother', 'Money', director Ram Gopal Varma's 'Siva' and 'Gaayam' were some of the films which brought immense fame to Srinivasa Rao. A recipient of Padma Shri, Srinivasa Rao had served as a BJP MLA from Vijayawada East assembly constituency in Andhra Pradesh from 1999 to 2004. Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, his Andhra Pradesh counterpart N Chandrababu Naidu, Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy, actor-turned-politician and Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan and several other leaders condoled the demise of Srinivasa Rao. Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Telangana BJP president N Ramchander Rao, his Andhra counterpart PVN Madhav visited Srinivasa Rao's residence here and paid homage. Chiranjeevi, junior NTR, leading producer D Suresh Babu, veteran actor Murali Mohan and several other film personalities also condoled the death of Srinivasa Rao.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Kota Srinivasa Rao funeral: Chiranjeevi pays floral tribute; Prakash Raj meets actor's family
Veteran Telugu actor and former BJP MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away due to age-related ailments in Hyderabad on Sunday. He was 83. According to film industry sources, Rao, who had been unwell for several years, breathed his last in the early hours of the day at his residence. Chiranjeevi at Kota Srinivasa Rao's funeral. Kota Srinivasa Rao's funeral At the actor's funeral, megastar Chiranjeevi also paid him tribute. He put a wreath of red roses on Rao's mortal remains. He also bowed his head in front of his portrait and met the actor's relatives and family. Earlier, even actor Prakash Raj met the actor's family at his home and was spotted leaving in his car while media surrounded him. About Kota Srinivasa Rao In a prolific career spanning over four decades, Srinivasa Rao acted in more than 750 films. He made his debut with the 1978 film Pranam Khareedu, which also marked the debut of superstar Chiranjeevi. Some of his most acclaimed works include Pratighatana, Satruvu, Ahana Pellanta, Hello Brother, Money, and Ram Gopal Varma's Siva and Gaayam. A recipient of the Padma Shri, Srinivasa Rao also served as a BJP MLA from the Vijayawada East assembly constituency in Andhra Pradesh between 1999 and 2004. Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan were among the many leaders who condoled his demise. Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Telangana BJP president N Ramchander Rao, and Andhra BJP chief PVN Madhav also visited his residence to pay homage. From the film industry, Chiranjeevi, Jr NTR, producer D Suresh Babu, veteran actor Murali Mohan, and several others expressed their condolences. Actor Sivaji Raja, a close friend of Srinivasa Rao, told PTI that the funeral details would be decided after the arrival of Rao's younger brother, actor Kota Sankar Rao, in Hyderabad.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Veteran actor and former MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao passes away at 83
HYDERABAD: Veteran character actor, comedian, and former MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away due to ill health in Hyderabad on Sunday morning. He was 83. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2015. He joined the BJP and was elected as the Vijayawada East MLA in the erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh in 1999. Srinivasa Rao, popularly known as Kota, began his acting career as a theatre artist. He was born on July 10, 1942, in Kankipadu village, a suburb of Vijayawada city in Andhra Pradesh. He started acting in films in 1978 with Pranam Khareedu. However, he got his major break with the character Kasaiah in the film Pratighatana. Kota Srinivasa Rao and Babu Mohan, another former MLA, formed a hit comedy duo in the Telugu film industry. Kota Srinivasa Rao, BJP leader Ale Narendra, and Congress leader Dronam Raju Satyanarayana appeared in the movie Tegimpu, in which Bhanuchandar played the lead role.
News18
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Veteran Actor Kota Srinivasa Rao Passes Away At 83 In Hyderabad
Renowned actor Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away at 83 in Hyderabad. Known for his roles in over 750 films, he redefined negative roles in Telugu cinema. Celebrated Telugu actor and former MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away in the early hours of Sunday at his residence in Filmnagar, Hyderabad. He was 83. According to family sources, the veteran actor had been unwell for the past few days and succumbed to age-related health complications. His death marks the end of an era in Telugu cinema, where he played an influential role for more than four decades. Born on July 10, 1942, in Kankipadu, Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, Kota Srinivasa Rao began his acting journey on stage before making his film debut with Pranam Khareedhu in 1978. He quickly rose to prominence with his powerful screen presence, becoming one of the most recognisable faces in Telugu cinema. Known for his versatility, Rao appeared in over 750 films, effortlessly portraying villains, comic characters, and emotionally complex supporting roles. Before entering the film industry, he was a noted theatre actor, admired for his distinctive voice and commanding dialogue delivery. His performance in Ram Charan's 2013 film Naayak remains one of his standout roles in recent years. SS Rajamouli mourned his death saying, 'Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Kota Srinivasa Rao garu. A master of his craft, a legend who breathed life into every character he portrayed. His presence on screen was truly irreplaceable. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Om Shanti." Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Kota Srinivasa Rao garu. A master of his craft, a legend who breathed life into every character he portrayed. His presence on screen was truly irreplaceable. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Om Shanti.— rajamouli ss (@ssrajamouli) July 13, 2025 Throughout his cinematic career, Rao worked with legends and rising stars alike, including Krishna, Chiranjeevi, Balakrishna, Nagarjuna, Venkatesh, Mahesh Babu, Pawan Kalyan, Allu Arjun, and Sai Dharam Tej. Some of his most memorable films include Ahana Pellanta, Pratighatana, Yamudiki Mogudu, Shiva, Khaidi No.786, Bobbili Raja, Yamaleela, Santosham, Athadu, Bommarillu, and Race Gurram. Apart from acting, Kota Srinivasa Rao also had a political career. He served as an MLA from the Vijayawada East constituency between 1999 and 2004. Interestingly, his on-screen portrayal of politicians was also widely appreciated, including his role as an MLA in Julayi, starring Allu Arjun. Rao's last film appearance was in Kabzaa (2023), directed by R. Chandru. The film featured a large ensemble cast, including Upendra, Shiva Rajkumar, Kiccha Sudeepa, and Shriya Saran. May his soul rest in peace! First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
