Veteran South Indian Actor Kota Srinivasa Rao P@sses Away at 83

Renowned South Indian actor Kota Srinivasa Rao has passed away at the age of 83. The celebrated actor breathed his last at his residence in Hyderabad on July 13, after battling age-related illnesses. News of his demise has left his fans and the Telugu film industry in mourning.

Born on July 10, 1942, in Kankipadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kota Srinivasa Rao was the son of Dr. Seetharama Anjaneyulu. Initially, Kota aspired to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a doctor. However, during his college years, he developed a keen interest in acting and began his journey by joining the theatre.

Kota made his film debut in 1978 with “Pranam Khareedu” and never looked back, going on to act in nearly 750 films. He brought to life a wide range of characters, from villains to comic roles, earning a special place in the hearts of movie lovers. His remarkable performances garnered him several awards, including the prestigious Padma Shri from the Government of India in 2015.

While he was best known for his work in Telugu cinema, Kota also showcased his talent in Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam films. His funeral will be held on Sunday afternoon, with fans and prominent film personalities gathering to pay their last respects. Social media is flooded with tributes and messages of condolence from his admirers.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also expressed his grief over Kota Srinivasa Rao’s passing, stating that the actor had won the hearts of millions with his performances and that his loss is a major blow to the Telugu film industry. The Chief Minister also recalled Kota’s public service as a legislator in 1999 and extended his condolences to the bereaved family.