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India Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Kota Srinivasa Rao: From bank desk to big screen, a career spanning 750 films
There's a poignant moment in the Telugu film 'Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum', where Kota Srinivasa Rao delivers a line that now feels like an epitaph to his own legacy: "Adi kala, nidralo kanedi. Idi kala, nidra lepedi Kala ante, bathukunichede kadu, bathukunu nerpedhi kuda." Which translates to: 'Art is not something you dream of in sleep; it is something that awakens you. Art does not merely reflect life, it teaches you how to live.'advertisementThese weren't just lines written for the screen. For Kota Srinivasa Rao, they were a lived truth. Through every glare, pause, smile, and silenced breath, he taught audiences not just how to watch cinema, but how to feel it. With his death, Indian cinema didn't just lose a veteran actor, it lost one of its most sincere a bank desk to the big screenBorn on July 10, 1942 in Kankipadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kota's life wasn't always aligned with the world of cinema. The son of a doctor, he completed a degree and began his professional career as a cashier at the State Bank of India. Acting, in those early years, remained a parallel passion, refined through college plays and theatre. His cinematic journey began in 1978 with 'Pranam Khareedu', starring a then-rising Chiranjeevi. From that point, there was no turning back. His filmography eventually crossed over 750 titles, spanning Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada and Malayalam films. A master of every emotion Rao was not the kind of actor who played roles. He absorbed them. Whether it was the terrifying politician in 'Gaayam', the intense antagonist in 'Ganesh', the comedic miser in 'Aha Naa Pellanta', the well-meaning father in 'Bommarillu', the frustrating loan shark in 'Aa Naluguru', or the tender grandfather in 'Brindavanam', every performance was layered with truth and depth. In a career with more than 750 films, not all the films worked, but his performance was consistently praised and added weight to the film's ability to evoke laughter and fear within a single scene became his hallmark. He seamlessly worked across generations, sharing screen space with the likes of Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh and Balakrishna, as well as Mahesh Babu, Jr NTR, Prabhas and Allu Arjun. Not once did he allow star power to diminish his presence. In Tamil cinema too, he made a strong impression with his roles in 'Saamy' and 'Ko'.Even in Hindi cinema, where his appearances were brief, he left a mark. Films like 'Sarkar', 'Baaghi' and 'Luck' showcased his ability to lend gravitas with minimal screen time. His final on-screen role is going to be in 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu' with Pawan Kalyan, a fitting close to a career that began with Pawan's brother, and influenceadvertisementKota Srinivasa Rao won nine Nandi Awards across categories for villain, supporting, and character roles. His performances in 'Aa Naluguru', 'Little Soldiers' and 'Pellaina Kothalo' are often cited among his finest. In 2012, he received the SIIMA Award for his role in 'Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum'. Three years later, he was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian the true measure of his legacy was the enduring connection he built with audiences. He didn't need to be the lead to lead a scene. He commanded attention through sheer performance.A brief yet bold political turnRao entered politics in 1999, winning as MLA from Vijayawada East on a BJP ticket. However, after completing his term, he gradually distanced himself from active politics. In time, he realised that his heart truly lay in cinema, a space where he felt more rooted, honest, and loss, public graceIn 2010, the actor faced a devastating personal tragedy when he lost his only son, Venkata Anjaneya Prasad, in a road accident. Prasad, an aspiring actor, had acted alongside him in 'Gaayam 2'. Rao took a step back from films after the loss and later channelled his grief into public service by collaborating with the government on road safety his career, he was unapologetically candid. He often criticised the casting of non-Telugu-speaking actors in villain roles and stood firm in his belief that language and authenticity mattered. Off-screen, he mentored young actors, urging them to focus on craft, humility, and wisdom.A legacy carved in truthKota Srinivasa Rao was many things—actor, politician, mentor, critic, but above all, he was an honest artiste. He never sought stardom or visibility. He believed in the script, the craft, and the when portraying the greediest or most corrupt characters, he humanised them. That was his gift. In a world increasingly driven by image, Kota remained a performer rooted in substance. His legacy will live on in every actor who understands that commanding a scene has nothing to do with the number of lines or screen time. It is about depth, intensity, and an unwavering honesty to the role. And Kota's legacy will echo long after the lights dim.- Ends
Time of India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Actor and ex-MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao dies at 83. A look at his acting career and best movies
In an industry where heroes often claim the spotlight, Kota Srinivasa Rao built a towering legacy in the shadows, with just his voice, a glance, or a mocking smile. The veteran actor , known for redefining negative roles in Telugu cinema , passed away early Sunday at the age of 83 at his residence in Filmnagar, Hyderabad, after days of illness. A look at his illustrative career Born in Kankipadu, Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, Kota Srinivasa Rao began his acting journey in the world of theatre. Known for his commanding presence and baritone voice, he transitioned to films with the 1978 movie Pranam Khareedhu. Over the next four decades, Rao became a fixture in Telugu cinema, featuring in more than 750 films and leaving an indelible mark in every genre — from villainous roles to comedy, drama, and politics. A master of transformation Whether it was the ruthless antagonists in Gaayam or Ganesh, or the warm father figures in Bommarillu and Aa Naluguru, he brought nuance and depth to every performance. His roles in films like Ahana Pellanta, Shiva, Yamudiki Mogudu, Bobbili Raja, Athadu, Santosham, and Race Gurram remain unforgettable to Telugu audiences. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Seniors in the Philippines Can Enjoy Affordable Private Health Insurance! (See List) Health Insurance | Search Ads Search Now Undo His portrayal of an MLA in Julayi was so convincing, it almost mirrored his real-life political stint — Kota served as an elected MLA from the Vijayawada East constituency from 1999 to 2004. His legacy of awards and critical acclaim Kota Srinivasa Rao's immense contribution to cinema didn't go unnoticed. He won multiple Nandi Awards, including Best Villain (Gaayam, Teerpu, Ganesh), Best Character Actor (Aa Naluguru, Pellaina Kothalo), and a Special Jury Award for Pratighatana. In 2012, he also bagged the SIIMA Award for Best Supporting Actor for Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum. His last movie Rao was last seen in Kabzaa in 2023, a multilingual period action film starring Upendra Rao, Shiva Rajkumar, Kiccha Sudeepa, and others. Even in his final roles, his screen presence remained sharp and magnetic.
India Today
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Allu Aravind extends support to Pawan Kalyan, distances from exhibitors strike
Veteran producer Allu Aravind addressed the growing controversy surrounding theatre operations in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. In a press meet held on Sunday, Aravind distanced himself from the group accused of monopolising theatrical business decisions and clarified his company's current stake in cinema exhibition. He also extended his support to Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Pawan Kalyan, whose film 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu' is scheduled to release on June to the allegations that he is part of the so-called 'Aa Naluguru' – an informal term used for a group of four industry bigwigs allegedly influencing theatre policies – Aravind stated, 'I am not part of those four. Our company does not own a single theatre in Telangana except AAA. Even in Andhra Pradesh, our lease agreements have ended. Out of the 1500 theatres in both the states, we now operate only about 15 theatres, which are also going to be handed over to someone else soon.'The Geetha Arts founder further expressed his disagreement with the proposed theatre shutdown from June 1, which is reportedly being considered to push a shift from rental agreements to a revenue-sharing model. This move has sparked outrage from fans of actor-politician Pawan Kalyan, as it could impact the release of his long-delayed film 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu'.advertisement Aravind was firm in his opposition, saying, 'I don't agree with closing theatres; that's why I didn't attend the meeting. How can you close theatres just before Pawan Kalyan's film is releasing? That's a wild misadventure. He's the one who supported our industry during tough times.' He also dismissed rumours of digital platform involvement, clarifying, 'I have no stake in Qube India, and Suresh Babu doesn't own UFO either.'Aravind criticised the recent exhibitors' meeting, noting that several major issues concerning the film industry were left unaddressed. The controversy has escalated since the exhibitors' shutdown threat was made public, prompting the Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister to issue an official press note condemning the Watch
Indian Express
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Allu Aravind, Dil Raju try to butter up Pawan Kalyan after his Tollywood ‘lacks minimum respect' for AP govt comment: ‘No one has the guts to stop his film'
Although exhibitors from the Telugu states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh recently announced their decision to temporarily call off the proposed single-screen theatres bandh, which was scheduled to begin on June 1, the controversy sparked by the announcement appears far from over. After actor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan took the strike call personally, as it would have affected the release of his film Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1, set to hit screens on June 12, producers Allu Aravind and Dil Raju have stepped forward, stating that the actor had every right to be upset. A day after renowned producer Allu Aravind — who is also the brother-in-law of Pawan Kalyan's elder brother, Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi — voiced his opposition to the theatre shutdown, Telangana Film Development Corporation chairman Dil Raju entered damage-control mode. He emphasised that Kalyan is 'like a big brother to the industry' and fully entitled to reprimand them if they took a wrong turn. 'Many are indirectly dragging my name into this. Honestly, no one has the guts to stop Pawan Kalyan garu's film. He is like a big brother to the industry. If he says something, we will bear it. There is nothing wrong,' said Raju. 'We don't close theatres generally. In my 30-year career, I have never seen cinema halls being closed. When issues arise, we may halt shootings but never shut theatres,' he added. Mentioning that the current model — fixed rentals in the first week, followed by a shift to a percentage share from the second week — was difficult for exhibitors, he noted, 'There's no unity among us. That's why producers are individually seeking ticket price hikes. We will find a solution soon.' On Sunday, Allu Aravind had also distanced himself from the controversy, asserting that he was not part of the informal caucus often referred to as Aa Naluguru (those four people), which many allege exists in Telugu cinema, lobbying and influencing theatre-related decisions. 'I don't agree with closing theatres; that's why I didn't attend the meeting. How can you close theatres just before Pawan Kalyan's film releases? That's a wild misadventure. He's the one who supported our industry during tough times,' he pointed out. The controversy began with an attempted theatre shutdown scheduled for June 1, initiated by exhibitors advocating a move from rental agreements to a revenue-sharing model. Although the bandh was temporarily suspended later, it blew up after Pawan Kalyan came down heavily on the Telugu film industry, accusing it of showing insufficient respect towards the Andhra Pradesh government. 'At a time when the government is thinking of giving industry status and developing the film industry, including ensuring that their (filmmakers) respect is not lowered, they do not have even minimum respect or gratitude towards the Andhra Pradesh government,' he said in a press release.
Hans India
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
‘ShashtiPoorthi' trailer unveiled: A celebration of family values and cultural legacy
The family-centric film ShashtiPoorthi, directed by Pavan Prabha and produced by actor–producer Rupeysh under the MAA AAIE Productions banner, is all set to release on May 30. Starring Rupeysh and Akanksha Singh in the lead roles, the film also features stalwarts like Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Archana in pivotal roles. As part of its promotional campaign, the makers released the much-awaited trailer during a grand event at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in Vijayawada. The trailer opened on a poignant note, highlighting the deep emotional bonds between parents and children. Dialogue such as 'A mother is someone we love without even knowing who she is' and 'It is my duty to correct what is wrong… Protecting justice is my profession' set the tone for a story rich in values and introspection. Rajendra Prasad's moving line — 'Don't talk about change when you love habits, not the person' — struck an emotional chord, with the trailer concluding on intense and thought-provoking notes. MLAs Gadde Ramamohan and Bode Prasad graced the event as chief guests. Gadde lauded Rajendra Prasad's timeless charm and reflected on how films like Aa Naluguru preserved societal values. Bode Prasad, attending a film event for the first time, expressed admiration for Rajendra Prasad and lyricist Chaitanya Prasad, hoping for the film's grand success. Rajendra Prasad humorously acknowledged being typecast for age-appropriate roles, quipping about his own ShashtiPoorthi. He praised the team and highlighted the unique theme of children witnessing their parents' remarriage — a rare cinematic celebration of Telugu culture. The cast and crew shared heartfelt anecdotes. Rupeysh credited director Pavan for bringing the story to life and said he now only wants to work with Rajendra Prasad. He also thanked veterans like Ilaiyaraaja and Thota Tharani for lending their artistic genius to the film. Archana recalled working with Rajendra Prasad after two decades, while Akanksha Singh expressed deep emotional attachment to her role. Lyricist Chaitanya Prasad shared his humbling experience working with Ilaiyaraaja. With soulful music, strong performances, and a culturally resonant narrative, ShashtiPoorthi is shaping up to be a film that touches hearts and celebrates traditions. The film hits screens on May 30.
