the Indian film industry lost a true gem, Kota Srinivasa Rao, who passed away at the age of 83 in Hyderabad. He was a remarkable actor known for his work in Telugu cinema and beyond. His journey from a small village to the big screen is inspiring. This article tells the story of his life in simple words. It celebrates his talent, hard work, and legacy that will live on forever.
Early Life And Family
Kota Srinivasa Rao was born on July 10, 1942, in Kankipadu, a village in Andhra Pradesh. His father, Seetha Rama Anjaneyulu, was a respected doctor. Young Kota dreamed of becoming a doctor like his father. He studied hard and earned a Bachelor of Science degree. But his heart was drawn to acting. He loved performing in college plays. These small stage shows sparked his passion for drama. Acting became his true calling, and he followed it with courage.
Before entering films, Kota worked as a bank employee at the State Bank of India. He was good at his job, but it did not make him happy. His love for acting was too strong. He left the bank to chase his dreams. This was a bold move. In 1978, he got his big break in the Telugu film *Pranam Khareedu*. This movie marked the start of his amazing journey in cinema. It was the beginning of a career that spanned over 40 years.
Kota Srinivasa Rao Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Net Worth, Wife, Children, Family
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kota Srinivasa Rao |
| Date of Birth | July 10, 1942 |
| Place of Birth | Kankipadu, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Date of Death | July 13, 2025 |
| Place of Death | Hyderabad, Telangana, India |
| Family | Father: Seetha Rama Anjaneyulu (doctor) Wife: Rukmini Children: Pavani, Pallavi, Kota V.A. Prasad (deceased 2010) |
| Education | Bachelor of Science degree |
| Early Career | Bank employee at State Bank of India |
| Acting Debut | 1978, Telugu film Pranam Khareedu |
| Total Films | Over 750 films |
| Film Industries | Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam |
| Famous Roles | Lakshmipathi (Aha Naa Pellanta, 1987), Guru Narayan (Gaayam, 1993), Politician (Pratighatana, 1985) |
| Notable Films | Aha Naa Pellanta, Gaayam, Pratighatana, Bommarillu, Athadu, Race Gurram, Saamy (Tamil), Sarkar (Hindi) |
| Last Film | Kabzaa (2023) |
| Upcoming Film | Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1 (2025, posthumous) |
| Theater Contribution | Started with college plays; powerful stage performer |
| Political Career | BJP member (joined 1999), MLA Vijayawada East (1999–2004) |
| Awards | 9 Nandi Awards, SIIMA Award (2012), Padma Shri (2015) |
| Charity Work | Supported poor and social causes |
| Personal Tragedy | Lost son Kota V.A. Prasad in 2010 road accident |
| Legacy | Versatile actor, powerful voice, influential for young actors |
| Tributes | Mourned by Chiranjeevi, Mahesh Babu, SS Rajamouli, PM Narendra Modi |
Acting Career
Kota Srinivasa Rao acted in more than 750 films. He worked in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam movies. His ability to play different roles made him special. He could be a scary villain, a funny comedian, or a kind father. His voice was powerful, and his expressions were unforgettable. People loved watching him on screen. He brought every character to life with his talent. Movies like *Aha Naa Pellanta*, *Gaayam*, and *Pratighatana* showed his incredible skills.
In *Aha Naa Pellanta* (1987), Kota played a miserly father named Lakshmipathi. His funny dialogues and perfect timing made audiences laugh out loud. This role made him a household name. In *Gaayam* (1993), he played a dangerous villain named Guru Narayan. His intense acting scared and impressed viewers. In *Pratighatana* (1985), he acted as a cunning politician. This role won him a Nandi Award, a top honor in Telugu cinema. These films proved he could do anything.
Kota was not just a film star. He also loved theater. He started acting in plays during his college days. His stage performances were full of energy. He used his strong voice to capture the audience’s attention. Later, he brought this talent to films. His unique way of speaking made his dialogues famous. Even today, people use his lines in memes and conversations. His work in theater helped him become a better actor.
Political Career
Apart from acting, Kota tried his hand at politics. In 1999, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He won an election and became an MLA from Vijayawada East. He served the people from 1999 to 2004. As an MLA, he worked to solve local problems. But some people felt he spent too much time in Hyderabad and not enough in his constituency. Despite this, he was known as a good leader. His political work showed his desire to help others.
Personal Life
Kota’s personal life was full of love and tragedy. He married Rukmini, and they had three children: two daughters, Pavani and Pallavi, and a son, Kota Venkata Anjaneya Prasad. Sadly, his son passed away in a road accident in 2010. This loss broke Kota’s heart. His son was also an actor and worked with him in *Gaayam 2*. The pain of losing his son stayed with Kota forever. Yet, he continued to work and bring joy to his fans.
Awards
Kota won many awards for his acting. He received nine Nandi Awards for his roles as a villain, character actor, and supporting actor. In 2012, he won a SIIMA Award for his role in *Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum*. In 2015, the Indian government honored him with the Padma Shri, a prestigious award. This award recognized his contribution to Indian cinema. These honors showed how much people admired his work.
His work was not limited to Telugu films. In 2003, he entered Tamil cinema with the movie *Saamy*. He played a smooth-talking villain named Perumal Pichai. Tamil audiences loved his performance. He also acted in Hindi films like *Sarkar* (2005), where he worked with Amitabh Bachchan. In Kannada, he appeared in *Raktha Kanneeru*, and in Malayalam, he acted in *The Train*. His ability to act in different languages made him a true star.
Kota’s last film was *Kabzaa* in 2023. Even in his later years, he gave powerful performances. His role in *Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1*, set to release in 2025, was one of his final works. Despite his age, he never lost his passion for acting. He worked hard until his health began to fail. He passed away at his home in Film Nagar, Hyderabad, after a long illness. His death was a big loss for Indian cinema.
Many famous people mourned Kota’s passing. Actors like Chiranjeevi, Mahesh Babu, and SS Rajamouli shared heartfelt messages. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him a cinematic genius. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said his roles would stay in people’s hearts forever. Fans across India felt the pain of losing such a great artist. His death marked the end of an era.
Kota Srinivasa Rao was more than an actor. He was a kind person who cared about others. He was known for his charity work. He helped the poor and supported social causes. His honesty made him special. He always spoke his mind, even if it caused controversy. Some of his comments about other actors stirred debates, but his fans respected his boldness. He was a man of principles.
His legacy lives on through his films. Young actors look up to him. They learn from his dedication and versatility. His performances in films like *Bommarillu*, *Athadu*, and *Race Gurram* are still loved today. His comedic roles make people laugh, and his villain roles give chills. He was a master of his craft. His work will inspire generations to come.
Life Journey
Kota’s journey was not easy. He faced challenges but never gave up. From a small village to the big screen, he proved that dreams can come true. He showed that talent and hard work matter more than anything else. His life teaches us to follow our passion, no matter how hard the path is. He was a star who shone brightly in Indian cinema.
In his films, Kota brought characters to life. His voice, expressions, and energy were unmatched. Whether he was making people laugh or fear, he was always unforgettable. His work in *Aha Naa Pellanta* and *Gaayam* is still talked about. He was a gift to the film industry. His fans will always cherish his movies.
Kota Srinivasa Rao’s story is one of courage, talent, and love for art. He started as a theater artist and became a legend. His journey from a bank employee to a Padma Shri winner is inspiring. He faced personal losses but kept going. His films, awards, and kindness will never be forgotten. Indian cinema will always remember this great man.
As we say goodbye to Kota Srinivasa Rao, we celebrate his life. His movies will keep entertaining us. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his fans. He was a true hero of Indian cinema. Rest in peace, Kota Srinivasa Rao. Your light will shine forever.