Legendary Telugu Actor Kota Srinivasa Rao Passes Away at 76; Left Behind a Legacy of 500+ Movies –

Kota Srinivasa Rao No More:

Veteran Telugu actor Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away at the age of 76 on Sunday, July 13, 2025, leaving behind a rich legacy in Indian cinema. He breathed his last at his residence in Hyderabad after a prolonged illness, as confirmed by his family. Known for his powerful dialogue delivery and versatile performances, Kota had been away from the spotlight in recent years due to health concerns. His passing marks the end of an era for the Telugu film industry. We, at Movie Talkies, pray for his soul to rest in peace.

KOTA SRINIVASA RAO is undoubtedly one of the greatest actors cinema has ever seen ..The effect of his contribution to my films SHIVA. GAAYAM, MONEY, SARKAR and RAKTACHARITRA is immeasurable..Sir #kotasrinivasarao Gaaru, you might have gone but your characters will live forever…

— Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) July 13, 2025

Fans and film personalities across the country are mourning his loss. Social media is flooded with tributes, memories, and heartfelt messages from actors, directors, and political figures. Many called him a “true institution of acting” who inspired generations. Stars like Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, and Mahesh Babu paid their respects and recalled working with him as a learning experience. Even younger actors, who grew up watching him on screen, have shared emotional notes remembering his iconic roles.

లెజెండరీ యాక్టర్ , బహుముఖ ప్రజ్ఞా శాలి
శ్రీ కోట శ్రీనివాస రావు గారు ఇక లేరు అనే వార్త ఎంతో కలచివేసింది.

'ప్రాణం ఖరీదు' చిత్రం తో ఆయన నేను ఒకే సారి సినిమా కెరీర్ ప్రారంభించాము. ఆ తరువాత వందల కొద్దీ సినిమాల్లో ఎన్నెన్నో విభిన్నమైన పాత్రల్లో నటించి, ప్రతి పాత్రని తన…

— Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) July 13, 2025

Kota Srinivasa Rao began his film career in the late 1970s and went on to appear in over 500 films in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam. He was known for his remarkable range—effortlessly switching between comedy, villainy, and character roles. His roles in films like Aha Naa Pellanta, Pratighatana, Gaayam, Mallu Vetti Minor, and Sarkar are still remembered for their impact and intensity.

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Apart from cinema, Kota also had a brief stint in politics and served as a Member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2015 for his contribution to the arts. His unique voice, expressions, and command over language made him a standout performer. With his passing, Indian cinema loses one of its finest and most respected actors. His legacy, however, will live on through his unforgettable performances. We and the cinema fraternity will miss him.

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