Kota Srinivasa Rao passes away: Chiranjeevi, Jr NTR, Ravi Teja and more mourn the loss of legendary actor

The Hindu

2 days ago

Veteran Telugu actor Kota Srinivasa Rao breathed his last at the age of 83 on Sunday (July 13, 2025) at his residence in Hyderabad. The actor had been unwell due to age-related issues for the past few months. A maverick with a career spanning over four decades and over 750 films, the actor left an indelible mark as a comedian, villain and a character artist.
The news of this passing has sent shockwaves across the Indian film industry, with many prominent celebrities like Chiranjeevi, Jr NTR, and Ravi Teja expressing their condolences.
Chiranjeevi, in a post on X, called Kota a multifaceted genius, reminiscing about how they both made their debuts in the 1978 film Pranam Khareedu. 'Thereafter, he acted in hundreds of films, portraying countless diverse roles, captivating Telugu audiences with his unique and distinctive style, and securing a permanent place in their hearts. Be it a comedic villain, a serious villain, or a supporting character, every role he played was performed with such brilliance that it felt only he could do it justice,' wrote Chiranjeevi.
లెజెండరీ యాక్టర్ , బహుముఖ ప్రజ్ఞా శాలి
శ్రీ కోట శ్రీనివాస రావు గారు ఇక లేరు అనే వార్త ఎంతో కలచివేసింది.
'ప్రాణం ఖరీదు' చిత్రం తో ఆయన నేను ఒకే సారి సినిమా కెరీర్ ప్రారంభించాము. ఆ తరువాత వందల కొద్దీ సినిమాల్లో ఎన్నెన్నో విభిన్నమైన పాత్రల్లో నటించి, ప్రతి పాత్రని తన… — Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) July 13, 2025
In a post shared on his official X handle, NTR called Kota Srinivasa Rao a great actor who breathed life into his roles. 'The moments I shared and acted with him in my cinematic journey will remain unforgettable foreve,' he wrote.
కోట శ్రీనివాసరావు గారు… ఆ పేరే చాలు. ఎనలేని నటనా చాతుర్యం.ప్రతి పాత్రలో తనదైన శైలిలో ప్రాణం పోసిన మహానటుడు.
నా సినీ ప్రయాణంలో ఆయనతో నటించిన, పంచుకున్న క్షణాలు ఎప్పటికీ చిరస్మరణీయం.
ఆయన ఆత్మకు శాంతి చేకూరాలని ప్రార్థిస్తున్నాను. వారి కుటుంబ సభ్యులకు, ఆత్మీయులకు నా ప్రగాఢ… — Jr NTR (@tarak9999) July 13, 2025
Telugu star Ravi Teja, who worked with Kota in films such as Idiot, Krishna and Kick, said that the actor was like family to him and that he will cherish the memories working with him.
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. — Ravi Teja (@RaviTeja_offl) July 13, 2025
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, with whom Kota worked in several films such as Shiva, Sarkar and Raktacharitra, paid his tribute, writing, '#kotasrinivasarao Gaaru, you might have gone but your characters will live forever.'
KOTA SRINIVASA RAO is undoubtedly one of the greatest actors cinema has ever seen ..The effect of his contribution to my films SHIVA. GAAYAM, MONEY, SARKAR and RAKTACHARITRA is immeasurable..Sir #kotasrinivasarao Gaaru, you might have gone but your characters will live forever… — Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) July 13, 2025
Actor Vishnu Manchu, who shared screen with Kota Srinivasa Garu in films such as Denikaina Ready and Doosukeltha, called him 'an unmatched talent, and a man whose presence lit up every frame he was in.'
A Legend Beyond Words.
My heart is heavy with the loss of Sri. Kota Srinivas garu. A phenomenal actor, an unmatched talent, and a man whose presence lit up every frame he was in. Whether it was a serious role, a villain, or comedy- he brought life into every character with a… pic.twitter.com/bMfLFwLEe3 — Vishnu Manchu (@iVishnuManchu) July 13, 2025
Meanwhile, Tamil actor Vishal, who worked with the actor in 2008's Sathyam, said that the silver screen will miss a great performer.