Kota Srinivasa Rao Death and Obituary – Legendary Telugu actor and former politician Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, just two days after celebrating his 83rd birthday. He died peacefully at his residence in Film Nagar, Hyderabad, following prolonged age-related health complications. Widely regarded as one of the finest and most versatile actors in Indian cinema, his death has sent shockwaves across the film industry, sparking an outpouring of tributes and reflection on a life defined by artistic brilliance and public service.
Born in Kothapalli, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, Kota Srinivasa Rao began his acting career in 1977 and went on to feature in more than 750 films spanning Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema. His breadth as an actor—moving seamlessly between villainous, comedic, and character roles—earned him a rare stature that transcended genres, language barriers, and generations.
Kota’s landmark performances in films such as Kshana Kshanam (1991), Annamayya (1997), Aha Naa Pellanta, Rakshasudu, and Rajanna (2011) have become part of Telugu cinema’s cultural fabric. He had a signature style marked by subtle menace in negative roles and effortless timing in comedic sequences. His screen presence, even in brief roles, could shift the emotional tone of a film—a testament to his finely honed craft and intuitive understanding of human behavior.
Kota’s legacy is not confined to film. In 2015, he was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, for his contribution to the arts. He also made his mark in politics, serving as an MLA in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, where he brought the same passion and thoughtfulness to governance as he did to the screen. His dual careers in cinema and public life showcased a rare confluence of creativity, conviction, and civic responsibility.
News of his passing has been met with heartfelt tributes from across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli, actors Chiranjeevi, Pawan Kalyan, and countless others have publicly mourned his death. Many described Kota as a “pillar of Telugu cinema” and “a masterclass in character acting.”
His final screen appearance is set to be in Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1 – Sword vs Spirit, starring Pawan Kalyan. Scheduled for release on July 24, 2025, the film is anticipated to serve as a fitting posthumous tribute to a career that reshaped storytelling and performance in South Indian cinema.
Despite his passing, Kota Srinivasa Rao’s influence is far from over. His body of work will continue to educate aspiring actors and entertain audiences for decades to come. The nuance with which he approached every character—never relying on tropes, always finding depth—remains a benchmark in Indian filmmaking.
A private family ceremony will be followed by a public homage organized by the Telugu film fraternity, where industry colleagues and admirers will gather to celebrate his extraordinary life. Details regarding the public tribute are expected to be announced shortly.
Kota Srinivasa Rao is survived by his son, Kota Venkata Rao, who has also been involved in the film industry. As fans, artists, and the nation bid farewell, one truth becomes clear: Kota’s death marks not just the loss of a prolific actor but the end of a cinematic era.
His artistry, voice, and on-screen persona may be gone, but his legacy lives on—etched in the dialogues he delivered, the characters he inhabited, and the hearts of the millions who grew up watching him.