Legendary actor Kota Srinivasa Rao, known for his iconic roles in South Indian cinema, passed away on Sunday at the age of 83 following a prolonged illness.
He breathed his last at his residence in Filmnagar, Hyderabad, during the early hours of Sunday. His wife and two daughters survived a former BJP MLA, Rao.
The veteran had been battling age-related health issues in recent weeks. A recent photo of him shared on social media by producer Bandla Ganesh had left fans shocked by his frail appearance.
A Prolific Career Spanning Four Decades
Kota Srinivasa Rao’s acting journey began in 1978 with ‘Pranam Khareedu’, starring Chiranjeevi. Over a remarkable four-decade-long career, he featured in more than 750 films across Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada languages.
Known for his distinctive voice and dialogue delivery, he seamlessly portrayed villains, comedians, and a wide range of character roles. His performance in ‘Pratighatana’ (1985) marked a turning point, establishing him as one of the most compelling antagonists in Telugu cinema.
Some of his most memorable films include ‘Aha! Naa Pellanta’, ‘Yamudiki Mogudu’, ‘Khaidi No. 786’, ‘Shiva’, ‘Bobbili Raja’, ‘Yamaleela’, ‘Santosham’, ‘Bommarillu’, ‘Athadu’, and ‘Race Gurram’.
He was primarily known for his chemistry with comedian Babu Mohan, with whom he appeared in over 60 films — a duo once regarded as a successful formula at the box office.
Stage Artist Turned Screen Icon
Born on July 10, 1942, in Kanakipadu, Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, Rao began as a stage artist before transitioning into films. His effortless ability to switch between various Telugu dialects gave his performances authenticity and depth.
Recognition And Political Career
For his contribution to Indian cinema, Kota Srinivasa Rao was conferred with the Padma Shri in 2015. He also won several Nandi Awards for his outstanding performances.
Apart from his cinematic achievements, he served as a BJP MLA from Vijayawada East Assembly Constituency from 1999 to 2004.
Tragedy struck in 2010 when he lost his only son, Kota Venkata Anjaneya Prasad, in a road accident in Hyderabad.
Tributes Pour In
The passing of Kota Srinivasa Rao has led to an outpouring of condolences from film personalities and political leaders across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Widely respected for his versatility, dedication, and unmatched contribution to regional cinema, he leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations.
(With input from IANS)
