Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in mourning the death of veteran Telugu actor and former MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao, who passed away early Sunday morning at his residence in Hyderabad. He was 83.
Remembering the actor’s immense contribution to cinema and society, PM Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his condolences. “Anguished by the passing of Shri Kota Srinivas Rao Garu,” the Prime Minister wrote. “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.”
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…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 13, 2025
The news of Rao’s demise has sent waves of grief across the country, especially in the Telugu film industry, where he was considered one of the most respected and versatile actors of his time.
Tripura Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu also issued a heartfelt statement, calling Rao’s passing an “irreparable loss to the Telugu film industry.”
The Governor remembered him not just as a performer but as an artist who “won the affection of cinema audiences with his versatile roles.” He added, “His artistic contributions to cinema and theatre over nearly four decades will remain unforgettable.”
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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu echoed these sentiments. In his tribute, Naidu said, “The demise of the renowned actor Kota Srinivasa Rao is deeply saddening. The numerous memorable roles he played as a villain and character artist will forever stay etched in the hearts of Telugu audiences.”
The film fraternity too came together to remember a man who was, for many, a mentor, a colleague, and a dear friend. Tollywood megastar Chiranjeevi called him a “multifaceted genius,” saying, “His strong screen presence and unique performances have left a mark that cannot be erased. His death has created a void in the industry that will be hard to fill.”
Also Read: Kota Srinivasa Rao passes away at 83, actor leaves behind 750 films
Actor Ravi Teja, who shared screen space with Kota Srinivasa Rao in over ten films, shared an emotional note on social media. “Grew up watching him, admiring him, and learning from every performance. Kota Babai was like family to me. I cherish the lovely memories of working with him. Rest in peace, Kota Srinivasa Rao garu. Om Shanti.”
Following the announcement of his death, several film stars, politicians, and well-wishers rushed to his residence in Hyderabad to pay their last respects.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan was among those seen consoling the grieving family.
Born on July 10, 1942, in Kankipadu village near Vijayawada, Kota Srinivasa Rao initially never imagined a life in cinema. Yet his passion for acting eventually led him to the big screen. He made his debut in 1978 with the film ‘Pranam Khareedu’, and since then, he became a staple of Telugu cinema. Over the years, he acted in more than 750 films across multiple languages, leaving behind a legacy few can match.
His films like ‘Aha Naa Pellanta’, ‘Gaayam’, ‘Hello Brother’, ‘Tagore’, and ‘Ready’ are just a few examples of his range.
In 2015, he received the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, for his invaluable contribution to Indian cinema.