On July 13, 2025, the death of a versatile actor, Kota Srinivasa Rao, left the Telugu film industry in dismay since he passed on at the age of 83. The veteran actor who voiced in excess of 750 characters in various languages passed on peacefully in his home at Film Nagar Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, after a long illness. The end of his remarkable career in Indian cinema, lasting over 40 years, his death happened only three days after the celebration of his 83rd birthday.

Kota Srinivasa Rao—Early life 

The son of a priest in a small village, Kankipadu, in what is now Andhra Pradesh, Kota Srinivasa Rao was not the typical lad that can make it big in the world of cinema. His father, named Seetha Rama Anjaneyulu was a doctor, and the nascent Srinivasa Rao once wanted to become one as well, like his father. But destiny had other things in store for the future epitome of Telugu cinema.

His transition to a successful actor started in his college life, where he realized it is his job to act as a guest star. His passion for acting was better than his dreams in the field of medicine and thus he set out to do a Bachelor of Science degree course accompanied with the same. Rao was an employee of the State bank before he joined the movie industry, a decision that he made practically, as he could earn a stable income as he practiced his art on the stage.

The Debut That Changed Everything

Cinematic life Kota Srinivasa Rao started his cinematic life in 1978 with his debut movie, Pranam Khareedu, which would see him start his fabulous life. Surprisingly, this movie has also been the starting point of Chiranjeevi and has brought a closeness between the two actors that would last till their lives. 

The real meaning of their relationship and mutual respect was proved by the emotional scenes at the funeral of Rao, where Chiranjeevi was obviously touched.

It was not only the film that was so good but also what this film augured in the future that made the debut of Rao incredible. His inherent screen persona and unique sense of modulation immediately appealed to the filmmakers and the moviegoers alike, coining him a talent to watch out for in the dynamically changing Telugu film industry.

King of multitasking

Critics consider Kota Srinivasa Rao as one of the most versatile actors in Telugu cinema because of his masterly skills in adjusting to different roles in the course of his career. His list of films includes highlights and outstanding acting in films like S/O Satyamurthy, Attarintiki Daredi, Rakta Charitra, Leader Bommarillu, Chatrapathi, Athadu and Gaayam as well.

The actor had a talent way beyond Telugu movies. He transformed the Tamil film industry, showing that he could deliver beyond regional boundaries with his 2003 Tamil debut, Saamy, as a suave villain. His films were in Tamil. Hindi, Kannada and Malayalam movies, and he exhibited the capability to fit into various cinema cultures without lacking his own distinct screen presence.

Kota Srinivasa Rao’s final film appearance will be in “Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1,” scheduled for release in July 2025, where he was cast in a small yet powerful character. This posthumous release will serve as a fitting farewell to an actor who dedicated his life to the craft of storytelling.

His voice modulation was the most extraordinary part of Rao that made him his trademark. His voice was very capable of being precise in its portrayal of emotions, whether playing a ruthless villain or a funny person, and each other performance is memorable and momentous.

Recognition and Honors

Kota Srinivasa Rao won many awards relating to his contributions when it came to the Indian cinema. He has received nine state Nandi Awards in different categories, with people appreciating the fact that he is both versatile and consistent. He won the SIIMA Award in 2012 in virtue of his exceptional performance in the film Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum.

His highest appreciation was in 2015 when he received his Padma Shri, which is the fourth-highest civilian award in India, due to his great contribution to Indian movies. Such a high award was given to him not only to recognize his talent in acting but also his contributions in enhancing the culture of this nation.

Beyond the Silver Screen

The influence of Kota Srinivasa Rao cut across entertainment and service to the people. In 1999, he continued serving a term in the MLA of Vijayawada East in Andhra Pradesh, representing the BJP till 2004. His political life attested to his intention to represent the society, especially in terms of empowering the poor and the downtrodden. 

In his tribute, Prime Minister Narendra Modi particularly noted the interest of social service by Rao, wherein the actor utilized his power to serve society in a better way.

Individual Trials and Family Inheritance

As the background of the successful career, there were personal tragedies that could characterize Rao in her life. He has married Rukmini and has three children; their son, Kota Venkata Anjaneya Prasad, died in a road accident in Hyderabad on June 20, 2010 which could not be repaired.

Prasad had pursued the same career path adopted by his father as an actor, who featured in Siddham by J. D. Chakravarthy and in Gaayam 2 with his father. His well-received acting pointed to a sad end to a promising career.

The actor has a younger brother, Kota Sankara Rao, who also joined the entertainment world and worked mainly in television, holding a job in a nationalized bank.

Industry Mourns a Legend

The news of Kota Srinivasa Rao’s death sent shockwaves through the Indian film industry. Director S. S. Rajamouli called him “a master of his craft,” emphasizing that his characters would live on forever. 

The funeral saw an outpouring of grief from colleagues, politicians, and fans, with notable personalities like Chiranjeevi, Pawan Kalyan, Prakash Raj, Venkatesh Daggubati, and Rana Daggubati paying their last respects.

Final thoughts

The death of Kota Srinivasa Rao brings the curtain down on an era in Indian cinema. He started his path in life as a poor man and emerged as one of the most versatile actors in Telugu movies and all this was because he was passionate, he was persistent and he was very talented. 

His legacy exists in iconic roles and his more than 750 performances in different languages, and his last posthumous cameo. He was more than an actor and a cultural icon, a public servant and his voice and his persona will always reverberate in the hearts of his fans and in Indian film history.