Kota Srinivasa Rao died: An Indian actor and politician, Kota Srinivasa Rao, died on 13 July 2025 at the age of 83 in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, after his 83rd birthday due to a prolonged illness.
Kota Srinivasa Rao biography
He debuted in the Telugu film Pranam Khareedu in 1978. He worked in films in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam. He appeared in over 750 feature films. He won nine state Nandi Awards. In 2015, he received the Padma Shri. His last movie was Kabzaa (2023).
Kota Srinivasa Rao’s early life and education
He was born on 10 July 1942 in the village of Kankipadu in present-day Andhra Pradesh. He was the son of Seetha Rama Anjaneyulu, who was a doctor. Initially, he wanted to become a doctor like his father. He became involved in acting when he was in college. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree and also worked as a State Bank employee. His brother, Kota Sankara Rao, is also an actor.
Kota Srinivasa Rao’s career
He debuted in the Telugu film Pranam Khareedu in 1978. His popular Telugu films include S/O Satyamurthy (2015), Attarintiki Daredi (2013), Rakta Charitra (2010), Ready (2008), Pellaina Kothalo (2006), Sarkar (2006), Leader (2010), Bommarillu (2006), Chatrapathi (2005), Athadu (2005), Aa Naluguru (2004), Idiot (2002), Prudhvi Narayana (2002), Chinna (2000), Malliswari (2004), Ganesh (1998), Anaganaga Oka Roju (1997), Little Soldiers (1996), Aame (1994), Hello Brother (1994), Govindha Govindha (1993), Gaayam (1993), Money (1993), Sathruvu (1990), Siva (1989), Aha Naa Pellanta (1987), Teerpu (1994), Pratighatana (1985), and Repati Pourulu (1986).
He debuted in the Tamil film industry as a villain in Saamy (2003).
He received various awards including the Padma Shri (2015), Nandi Awards — Special Jury Award for Pratighatana (1985), Best Villain for Gaayam (1993), Best Villain for Teerpu (1994), Best Character Actor for Little Soldiers (1996), Best Villain for Ganesh (1998), Best Villain for Chinna (2001), Best Supporting Actor for Prudhvi Narayana (2002), Best Character Actor for Aa Naluguru (2004), Best Character Actor for Pellaina Kothalo (2006), and SIIMA Awards.
He also worked as a singer in Gabbar Singh and Sisindri films.
He appeared in Hyderabadi-language comedy films including Hyderabad Nawabs and The Train.
He also appeared in superhit movies such as Baaghi, Rakta Charitra 2, Sarkar, and Luck.
He served as the MLA from Vijayawada East in Andhra Pradesh, India, from 1999 to 2004.
Kota Srinivasa Rao’s wife Rukmini Rao
He was married to Rukmini. He had three children, including two daughters and a son. His son, Kota Venkata Anjaneya Prasad, died on 20 June 2010 in a road accident in Hyderabad. He was also an actor and appeared in Siddham and Gaayam 2.
