Renowned Indian actor and former BJP legislator Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away on Sunday morning at his residence in Hyderabad. He was 83 years old.
Rao had been unwell for some time, according to Indian media. His death came just two days after he celebrated his birthday. The news has deeply saddened the film industry and his fans.
Born in Andhra Pradesh, Kota Srinivasa Rao began his acting career in 1978. Over the next four decades, he appeared in more than 750 films. He worked across several languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi.
He was especially known for his strong performances in negative roles. His commanding presence and versatility made him a respected figure in South Indian cinema. Filmmakers and audiences admired his ability to bring complex characters to life.
In 2015, Kota Srinivasa Rao received the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards. This honor recognized his significant contribution to Indian cinema.
Apart from acting, Rao also had a successful political career. He served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the Vijayawada East constituency. He represented the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from 1999 to 2004.
His death has led to an outpouring of tributes on social media. Actor Chiranjeevi described him as “irreplaceable,” while director Trivikram Srinivas called him a “pillar of Telugu cinema.”
Funeral arrangements will take place in Hyderabad. Many from the film and political worlds are expected to attend and pay their respects.
Kota Srinivasa Rao is survived by his family, including his son, Kota Venkata Anjaneya Prasad, who has also acted in films. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists in Indian cinema.
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