The Telugu film industry is mourning the loss of veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao, who passed away at 83 due to age-related health issues. Amid this somber moment, a video featuring director SS Rajamouli has gone viral.
On Sunday, Rajamouli visited Kota Srinivasa Rao’s residence in Hyderabad to pay his last respects. The ‘RRR’ and ‘Baahubali’ filmmaker, known for his usually calm and composed demeanor, appeared visibly emotional after offering his tribute to the legendary actor.
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However, what happened next stirred a different kind of conversation online.
As Rajamouli made his way back to his car, a fan rushed toward him, phone in hand, eager to snap a selfie. In the video now circulating widely on social media, Rajamouli is seen losing his temper.
He firmly pushed the fan aside and rebuked him for attempting to take a selfie during such a sensitive moment.
Eyewitnesses say the filmmaker was visibly upset, not just by the intrusion but by the sheer insensitivity of the act.
Shortly after the incident, Rajamouli took to social media to express his grief over Rao’s passing. In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Kota Srinivasa Rao garu. A master of his craft, a legend who breathed life into every character he portrayed. His presence on screen was truly irreplaceable. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Om Shanti.”
The moment has sparked a debate online. While some netizens criticized Rajamouli for reacting harshly, many others defended him, pointing out that there’s a time and place for fan interactions, and a funeral is certainly not one of them.
Kota Srinivasa Rao leaves behind a towering legacy in Indian cinema, especially in Telugu films. With over 750 films to his name, his career spanned decades and genres. Whether it was a villainous role, a comedic turn, or a character with grey shades, Rao’s performances were unforgettable.
He shared the screen with industry giants like Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, Venkatesh Daggubati, Allu Arjun, and Jr NTR, earning respect from audiences and colleagues alike.