Telangana BJP Leaders Mourn the Demise of Actor Kota Srinivasa Rao

Telangana BJP leaders, including Union Ministers G. Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay Kumar, expressed their grief over the demise of film actor Kota Srinivasa Rao. They praised his versatility in film roles and contributions to theatre, offering condolences to his family. Party president N. Ramchander Rao and others visited his house to pay respects.

Telangana BJP leaders, including Union Ministers G. Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay Kumar, expressed their grief over the demise of film actor Kota Srinivasa Rao. They praised his versatility in film roles and contributions to theatre, offering condolences to his family. Party president N. Ramchander Rao and others visited his house to pay respects.

Kota Srinivasa Rao, a veteran Telugu actor and former MLA, passed away at the age of 83 on Sunday, July 1, 2025, after battling illness. He was known for his versatile roles in over 750 films, including memorable performances in 'Naayak' and 'Athadu'. His career spanned four decades, showcasing his talent as a villain, comedian, and character actor [1].

Throughout his career, Rao portrayed a variety of characters—from villains and comic roles to emotionally layered supporting characters. He shared screen space with legendary stars and younger actors alike, including Krishna, Chiranjeevi, Balakrishna, Nagarjuna, Venkatesh, Mahesh Babu, Pawan Kalyan, Allu Arjun, and Sai Dharam Tej. Some of his most memorable films include 'Ahana Pellanta', 'Pratighatana', 'Yamudiki Mogudu', 'Khaidi No.786', 'Shiva', 'Bobbili Raja', 'Yamaleela', 'Santosham', 'Bommarillu', 'Athadu', and 'Race Gurram' [1].

Rao also served as an MLA from the Vijayawada East constituency between 1999 and 2004. His on-screen politician roles were also well received in Tollywood. 'Julayi', starring Allu Arjun, is one such film in which Rao played the role of an MLA [1].

The renowned actor was last seen in 'Kabzaa' (2023), directed by R. Chandru. The film features an ensemble cast including Upendra Rao, Shiva Rajkumar, Kiccha Sudeepa, Shriya Saran, Sudha, Murali Sharma, Dev Gill, Kabir Duhan Singh, Danish Akhtar Saifi, and Posani Krishna Murali [1].

His demise marks the end of an era, and he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of actors and filmmakers. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister paid tribute to the actor, saying, "The demise of the renowned actor Kota Srinivasa Rao, who won the affection of cinema audiences with his versatile roles, is deeply saddening. His artistic contributions to the fields of cinema and theatre over nearly four decades, and the roles he portrayed, will remain unforgettable. The numerous memorable roles he played as a villain and character artist will forever stay etched in the hearts of Telugu audiences." [1]

Telangana BJP leaders, including Union Ministers G. Kishan Reddy, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Rajya Sabha member K. Laxman, and party president N. Ramchander Rao, expressed their grief over the demise of film actor and former MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao on Sunday. In separate messages, the party leaders said that Srinivasa Rao had won the hearts of film viewers with his versatility of roles. His contributions to the theatre will also remain etched in memory. They expressed their condolences to the actor’s family. Mr. Ramchander Rao and some of the leaders had also visited the house to pay their respects [2].

References:
[1] https://m.economictimes.com/news/new-updates/veteran-actor-kota-srinivasa-rao-passes-away/articleshow/122414052.cms
[2] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/bjp-leaders-pay-homage-to-kota-srinivasa-rao/article69807304.ece