Veteran Telugu actor Kota Srinivasa Rao, 83, passes away

New Delhi: Veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao, a towering figure in Telugu cinema known for his magnetic screen presence and unmatched versatility, passed away on Saturday at the age of 83. 

His death marks the end of an era for Indian cinema, particularly Telugu films, where he made an indelible mark across four prolific decades.

News of Rao’s passing emerged early Sunday morning, triggering an outpouring of grief across social media and film circles. 

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who posted a condolence message on X.

“Heartbreaking to hear about the passing of Kota Srinivasa Rao Garu,” Naidu wrote. “His contribution to Telugu cinema and theatre over nearly four decades is unparalleled. His roles as a villain and character artist will remain etched in our memories. His demise is an irreparable loss to Telugu cinema. My deepest condolences to his family.”

Born on July 10, 1942, in Kankipadu, Andhra Pradesh, Rao began his professional journey with aspirations to follow in his father Seetha Rama Anjaneyulu’s footsteps and become a doctor. But destiny had other plans. 

Drawn to the performing arts, he carved out a formidable career in theatre and cinema, appearing in more than 600 films across Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam languages.

Rao became a household name for his commanding portrayals of antagonists and complex character roles. Whether it was as a cold-blooded villain or a morally conflicted elder, Rao brought a rare intensity to his roles that earned him both critical acclaim and popular adoration.

In addition to his cinematic contributions, Kota Srinivasa Rao also served as a Member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly from Vijayawada East between 1999 and 2004. 

His political stint was marked by active engagement with cultural issues, though it never dimmed his passion for acting.

Tragedy struck Rao’s personal life in 2010 when his son, actor Kota Venkata Anjaneya Prasad, died in a road accident in Hyderabad. 

Prasad, who had appeared in films like Siddham and Gaayam 2, was widely seen as carrying forward his father's artistic legacy. Rao continued to work in films after the loss, but fans and colleagues often noted the quiet solitude that accompanied his later years.