In an industry where heroes often claim the spotlight, Kota Srinivasa Rao built a towering legacy in the shadows, with just his voice, a glance, or a mocking smile. The veteran actor, known for redefining negative roles in Telugu cinema, passed away early Sunday at the age of 83 at his residence in Filmnagar, Hyderabad, after days of illness.
A look at his illustrative career
Born in Kankipadu, Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, Kota Srinivasa Rao began his acting journey in the world of theatre. Known for his commanding presence and baritone voice, he transitioned to films with the 1978 movie Pranam Khareedhu. Over the next four decades, Rao became a fixture in Telugu cinema, featuring in more than 750 films and leaving an indelible mark in every genre — from villainous roles to comedy, drama, and politics.
A master of transformation
Whether it was the ruthless antagonists in Gaayam or Ganesh, or the warm father figures in Bommarillu and Aa Naluguru, he brought nuance and depth to every performance. His roles in films like Ahana Pellanta, Shiva, Yamudiki Mogudu, Bobbili Raja, Athadu, Santosham, and Race Gurram remain unforgettable to Telugu audiences.
His portrayal of an MLA in Julayi was so convincing, it almost mirrored his real-life political stint — Kota served as an elected MLA from the Vijayawada East constituency from 1999 to 2004.
His legacy of awards and critical acclaim
Kota Srinivasa Rao’s immense contribution to cinema didn’t go unnoticed. He won multiple Nandi Awards, including Best Villain (Gaayam, Teerpu, Ganesh), Best Character Actor (Aa Naluguru, Pellaina Kothalo), and a Special Jury Award for Pratighatana. In 2012, he also bagged the SIIMA Award for Best Supporting Actor for Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum.
His last movie
Rao was last seen in Kabzaa in 2023, a multilingual period action film starring Upendra Rao, Shiva Rajkumar, Kiccha Sudeepa, and others. Even in his final roles, his screen presence remained sharp and magnetic.
A look at his illustrative career
Born in Kankipadu, Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, Kota Srinivasa Rao began his acting journey in the world of theatre. Known for his commanding presence and baritone voice, he transitioned to films with the 1978 movie Pranam Khareedhu. Over the next four decades, Rao became a fixture in Telugu cinema, featuring in more than 750 films and leaving an indelible mark in every genre — from villainous roles to comedy, drama, and politics.
A master of transformation
Whether it was the ruthless antagonists in Gaayam or Ganesh, or the warm father figures in Bommarillu and Aa Naluguru, he brought nuance and depth to every performance. His roles in films like Ahana Pellanta, Shiva, Yamudiki Mogudu, Bobbili Raja, Athadu, Santosham, and Race Gurram remain unforgettable to Telugu audiences.
His portrayal of an MLA in Julayi was so convincing, it almost mirrored his real-life political stint — Kota served as an elected MLA from the Vijayawada East constituency from 1999 to 2004.
His legacy of awards and critical acclaim
Kota Srinivasa Rao’s immense contribution to cinema didn’t go unnoticed. He won multiple Nandi Awards, including Best Villain (Gaayam, Teerpu, Ganesh), Best Character Actor (Aa Naluguru, Pellaina Kothalo), and a Special Jury Award for Pratighatana. In 2012, he also bagged the SIIMA Award for Best Supporting Actor for Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum.
His last movie
Rao was last seen in Kabzaa in 2023, a multilingual period action film starring Upendra Rao, Shiva Rajkumar, Kiccha Sudeepa, and others. Even in his final roles, his screen presence remained sharp and magnetic.
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