Sad news for Bollywood and Telegu fame Srinivasa admit to hospital in Critical condition & Pass Away

Kota Srinivasa Rao, the towering figure of Telugu cinema and a celebrated character actor, passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 83. He breathed his last at his residence in Filmnagar, Hyderabad, following a prolonged illness. His passing marked the end of a storied career that spanned more than four decades and included over 750 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema The Times of India+15Wikipedia+15www.ndtv.com+15.

Born on July 10, 1942, in Kankipadu, Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, Rao initially pursued a career in banking while nurturing a passion for theatre. His love for performance led him to the stage and eventually to the silver screen in 1978 with his debut in Pranam Khareedu, the same film that introduced Chiranjeevi. From that modest start, Rao crafted an unparalleled legacy defined by versatility, depth, and unwavering authenticity. He became equally adept at portraying cold, calculating villains and warm, comedic characters, each imbued with his unmistakable presence and voice modulation The Indian Express+9Utkarsh Classes+9The Times of India+9.

Over the years, Rao redefined the archetype of the antagonist in Indian films. In acclaimed works like Pratighatana, Shiva, Gaayam, Khaidi No. 786, and Yamaleela, he brought layered portrayals to roles that might otherwise have become stereotypical. But he never confined himself to sinister figures alone; films like Aha Naa Pellanta!, Bobbili Raja, Bommarillu, and Athadu allowed him to reveal a lighter, more playful side. Even in small supporting parts, such as in Naayak alongside Ram Charan, Rao left an indelible mark on audiences Hindustan Times+4Utkarsh Classes+4The Economic Times+4.

Despite being known primarily as a film actor, Rao’s creative palette was wide. He was honored with the Padma Shri in 2015 for his contributions to Indian cinema and had won nine prestigious Nandi Awards. His talents also touched Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi film industries, where his performances were equally admired The Times of India+15Wikipedia+15Utkarsh Classes+15.

Rao’s talent was not the only dimension of his legacy. Between 1999 and 2004, he served as a BJP MLA representing Vijayawada East. He upheld his commitment to public service with the same passion he displayed for the arts. Politics, like his performances, came to him not by compromise but from conviction Indiatimes+2www.ndtv.com+2Hindustan Times+2.

As news of his death emerged, tributes poured in from across the film fraternity and beyond. Chiranjeevi, his debut co-star and lifelong friend, took to X to express his grief, writing that the loss had deeply saddened him, noting their shared beginnings in Pranam Khareedu. He marveled at Rao’s ability to embody comic villains, serious foes, and supporting roles with equal authenticity, adding that his recent personal loss had weighed heavily on him The Economic Times+9www.ndtv.com+9The Indian Express+9.

Mahesh Babu described Rao’s passing as a personal loss, acknowledging how much he and many others had learned from him, while S. S. Rajamouli lamented that Rao’s characters would live on forever, praising him as a master of his craft www.ndtv.com+15The Indian Express+15The Economic Times+15. Vishnu Manchu honored him as “a legend beyond words” and highlighted his rare mastery in both serious and comedic roles The Times of India+2www.ndtv.com+2Hindustan Times+2.

The political community also joined mourning. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed that Rao’s versatile roles and four-decade contribution to theatre and cinema would be forever remembered The Economic Times+6Hindustan Times+6Utkarsh Classes+6. Many others, including Pawan Kalyan and Prakash Raj, paid their respects at Rao’s residence and funeral, where megastar Chiranjeevi was seen placing a wreath of red roses on his coffin. The solemn occasion attracted prominent figures from the film, political, and cultural worlds Hindustan Times+1BollywoodShaadis+1. Even SS Rajamouli, overwhelmed by the situation, had a tense moment with an overzealous fan at the ceremony—a reminder of the emotional impact Rao’s passing had on everyone present .

Kota Srinivasa Rao’s personal life reflected humility and warmth away from the spotlight. He was survived by his wife Rukmini and two daughters, Pavani and Pallavi. The couple also had a son, Kota Venkata Anjaneya Prasad, who tragically died in a road accident in 2010. Rao was known to lead a simple, grounded existence despite his fame and achievements Wikipedia+2BollywoodShaadis+2Indiatimes+2.

When looking back at Rao’s career, it’s clear that his talent lay not just in the number of films or awards, but in his ability to give every role emotional truth. A villain could be menacing yet nuanced; a comic sidekick could be bright without overshadowing the story. It is this range that earned him the admiration of peers and audiences alike. His was not merely a screen presence—it was a force of nature, unyielding in its sincerity The Times of India+11Utkarsh Classes+11The Indian Express+11.

In recent years, while health issues limited his roles, Rao remained active in everything from cameo appearances to mentoring young actors. His last known film project was Suvarna Sundari in 2023, releasing more than four decades after his debut www.ndtv.com+5Utkarsh Classes+5Indiatimes+5.

His death, just days after celebrating his 83rd birthday on July 10, adds a somber note to any remembrance The Times of India+15www.ndtv.com+15The Times of India+15. His passing marks the end of an era—a voice that modulated between comedy and menace, a presence that gave life to every frame he inhabited. Yet through funeral ceremonies and heartfelt tributes, it’s evident that while his body has departed, his spirit lives on in the memories he’s left behind.

Kota Srinivasa Rao’s story illustrates the power of artistry combined with authenticity. He transcended the limitations of typecasting and politics, showing that deep character work can resonate far beyond cinema halls or election chambers. His versatility made him beloved; his devotion made him respected. In a perfunctory world, he painted each part with devotion, transforming words on a script into living people.

He wasn’t merely an actor— he was a benchmark. And that’s how great artists live on: not only in films but in the souls they’ve touched, the traditions they’ve shaped, the future they’ve inspired. May he rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to guide actors, filmmakers, and audiences for generations to come.

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