Veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao passes away at 83

Hyderbad: Kota Srinivasa Rao, one of the most respected and prolific actors in South Indian cinema, died at the age of 83 on Sunday.

His demise occurred around 4am at his home in Hyderabad. He had been battling age-related ailments for several days prior to his death.

Born on 10 July 1942 in Andhra Pradesh, Kota originally worked in theatre before making his film debut in the late 1970s. Over time, he became a cornerstone of Telugu cinema, acting in more than 750 films. His mastery of dialogue delivery, unique vocal tone, and chameleon-like ability to shift between humour, menace, and pathos made him an actor of unmatched calibre.

Apart from his extensive filmography, Kota Srinivasa Rao also contributed to public service by serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Andhra Pradesh. His accolades include India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, the Padma Shri, along with multiple state-level honours like the Nandi Awards.

He was known not only for his work ethic and professionalism but also for his blunt honesty and deep respect for art and tradition. The Telugu film industry has expressed profound grief over his passing, with social media flooded with condolences from actors, directors, politicians, and fans.

His final rites are expected to be held later this week, with large crowds anticipated to pay their last respects. Kota Srinivasa Rao leaves behind a towering legacy and generations of admirers who grew up watching his unparalleled contributions to Indian cinema.