Veteran Telugu actor and former MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao dies at 83

Veteran Telugu actor and former BJP MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao, known for his highly acclaimed performances, passed away here due to age-related ailments on Sunday. He was 83.

Rao, who had been unwell for several years now, breathed his last in the early hours of Sunday at his residence here, film industry sources said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, his Andhra Pradesh counterpart N Chandrababu Naidu, Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, Union Ministers G Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay Kumar, superstar Chiranjeevi and several other leaders and film personalities condoled the demise of Rao.

“Anguished by the passing of Shri Kota Srinivas Rao Garu. He will be remembered for his cinematic brilliance and versatility. He enthralled audiences across generations with his riveting performances. He was also at the forefront of social service and worked towards empowering the poor and downtrodden. Condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti,” PM Modi said on 'X'.

Rao has acted in about 750 films in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi languages in a career spanning more than four decades.

He debuted in the 1978 film 'Pranam Khareedu', which also marked the debut of superstar Chiranjeevi.

Some of his most acclaimed works include 'Pratighatana', 'Satruvu', 'Ahana Pellanta', 'Hello Brother', 'Money', director Ram Gopal Varma's 'Siva' and 'Gaayam' were some of the films which brought immense fame to Rao.

Notably, Rao also acted in Ram Gopal Varma's Hindi film 'Sarkar' alongside mega star Amitabh Bachchan.

A recipient of Padma Shri, Rao had served as a BJP MLA from Vijayawada East Assembly constituency in Andhra Pradesh from 1999 to 2004.

A theatre artist before making it big on the silver screen, Rao won praise for his inimitable and versatile performances.

Though he was born near Vijayawada in Coastal Andhra Pradesh, he became popular for his dialogue delivery in Telangana and also Rayalaseema dialects of Telugu.

Rao found himself in a controversy at the beginning of his film career for a role he played in the film 'Mandaladheesudu' as it had a resemblance to the legendary N T Rama Rao which was not liked by NTR's fans.

Rao had said he was, however, appreciated by NTR.

He is also remembered for the hunger strike he undertook in support of the Telugu film industry shifting its base from Chennai to Hyderabad.

Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Andhra CM Naidu, Pawan Kalyan, Telangana Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy and a number of other leaders and film personalities visited the departed actor's residence here and paid homage.

Rao's funeral was conducted at the 'Maha Prasthanam' crematorium here on Sunday afternoon.