Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away on 13 July 2025 at his home in Film Nagar, Hyderabad, following a prolonged illness. He breathed his last early Sunday morning, just three days after his 83rd birthday. His state-level funeral drew notable attendance, with his ashes immersed at Hyderabad’s Mahaprasthanam.
Tributes poured in from the film fraternity and political sphere. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu mourned the “irreparable loss” of a man whose performances would remain “unforgettable”. Industry giants such as Chiranjeevi and Mahesh Babu lauded him as a “multifaceted genius” whose screen presence could fill any role with authenticity
#WATCH | Hyderabad, Telangana: Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya leaves from the residence of veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao after paying tributes to him and offering condolences to the family.
Veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away early this morning at the age… pic.twitter.com/zIshDeCUYV
— ANI (@ANI) July 13, 2025
Born on 10 July 1942 in the serene village of Kankipadu near Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, Kota Srinivasa Rao was the son of Dr Seetha Rama Anjaneyulu. Though he initially harbored dreams of following in his father’s footsteps as a doctor, fate had other plans. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree, he joined the State Bank of India, balancing his professional life with an unquenchable passion for theatre. He became a commanding presence on stage during college, enthralling audiences with his powerful voice and expressive performances.
A Film Debut and the Birth of an Icon
In 1978, Kota stepped onto the silver screen with Pranam Khareedu—a film that also served as a launchpad for Chiranjeevi. Little did anyone know at the time that this debut would spark a cinematic journey spanning nearly five decades. With over 750 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi, Kota redefined the contours of character acting.
Mastering the Art of Versatility
One of the most frequent Google search keywords associated with him is “Kota Srinivasa Rao life achievements,” and it speaks to the breadth of his craft. Whether portraying a chilling villain, a witty comedic sidekick, or a wise elder, he brought fresh depth and nuance to every character.
Consider his performance in Gaayam and Ganesh as intense antagonists, his comic timing in Aha Naa Pellanta, or emotional gravitas in Aa Naluguru and Bommarillu. He even carved a memorable niche in Bollywood with Amitabh Bachchan in Sarkar.
Critics and the industry recognized his craft with nine prestigious Nandi Awards and a SIIMA Award in 2012 for Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum. In 2015, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri, celebrating his immense contributions to Indian cinema.
Beyond Cinema: The Politician
“Kota Srinivasa Rao’s political roles” might be less searched but are equally fascinating. From 1999 to 2004, he served as the MLA for Vijayawada East under the BJP banner. He approached his political responsibilities with the same principled conviction exhibited on screen, advocating for cultural and educational issues. Even while in office, he maintained modest personal assets compared to his significant cinema earnings a testament to his grounded nature.
Personal Life, Loss, and Legacy
Kota was married to Rukmini, and together they had three children. Tragically, their son, Kota Venkata Anjaneya Prasad, passed away in 2010. Despite immense success his net worth was estimated at around ₹80 crore; he remained known for his humility. It was noted that his declared assets during his political tenure were a mere ₹10 lakh
Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away but The Legacy Lives On
What makes Kota Srinivasa Rao’s life and achievements essay such a resonant search phrase is not just his filmography but the story of a man who faced life with integrity, craft, and compassion. From stage to screen to parliament, he topped charts of excellence, not by chasing fame, but by perfecting his art.
Today, his legacy pulses on in the roles he immortalised, in the stages he once conquered, and in the hearts of those inspired by his journey. His life echoes a timeless message: that true success lies in sincerity, mastery, and humility. As Telugu cinema navigates the future, his name remains an enduring symbol of artistic brilliance.