In heartbreaking news for the Indian film industry and countless fans worldwide, the veteran Telugu actor and former BJP MLA, Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away at the age of 83 on Sunday, July 13, 2025. He was a Padma Shri awardee and an iconic figure in Indian cinema; Rao’s death has left the nation mourning.
Kota Srinivasa Rao’s early life and career beginnings
Kota Srinivasa was born on July 10, 1942, in Kankipadu, Andhra Pradesh. Initially, he wanted a career in medicine, inspired by his father, Dr. Seetha Rama Anjaneyulu. However, his passion for acting took over him during his college years. He made his film debut in 1978 with Pranam Khareedu, a film that also featured Chiranjeevi’s entry into the cinema. His career spanned over more than four decades, and he has been credited appearences in over 750 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi language.
