Latest news with #Gaayam
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ram Gopal Varma shares rare throwback photo with Kota Srinivasa Rao; Jr NTR remembers the legendary actor
Picture Credit: X The Telugu film industry is mourning the passing of legendary actor Kota Srinivasa Rao , who breathed his last at the age of 83. Renowned filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma took to social media to pay a heartfelt tribute to the veteran star. He took to the social media platform X to honour the memory of the veteran actor. Reflecting on their longstanding collaboration, RGV wrote, "The effect of his contribution to my films Shiva, Gaayam, Money, Sarkar, and Rakht Charitra is immeasurable, sir." A rare glimpse from the past In a touching follow-up post, RGV shared a rare and nostalgic photograph taken during the shoot of the 1996 cult classic 'Anaganaga Oka Roju', directed by him and featuring Kota Srinivasa Rao in a pivotal role. In 'Anaganaga Oka Roju', Kota played a character layered with humour and satire, once again proving his impeccable range. Fans online praised both the photograph and RGV's gesture, calling it a fitting tribute to one of Telugu cinema's finest talents. 'Anaganaga Oka Roju' was released in 1996 and featured a stellar cast including J.D. Chakravarthy, Urmila Matondkar, Brahmanandam, and Raghuvaran alongside Kota Srinivasa Rao. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Online MBA with in-demand specializations SRM Online Learn More Undo by Taboola by Taboola Legacy through cult classics These films mentioned by RGV are now cult classics, which saw Kota Srinivasa Rao portray a range of characters—from crooked politicians to emotionally complex supporting roles. Jr NTR's emotional tribute Tollywood superstar Jr NTR in Telugu wrote that just hearing the name "Kota Srinivasa Rao" is enough to remember what a great actor he was. He praised him for his unique acting style and said that every role Kota sir played felt real and full of life. His post, loosely translated to English, reads, "Kota Srinivasa Rao garu… that name is enough. Unparalleled acting prowess. A great actor who breathed life into every role with his unique style. The moments I shared and acted with him in my cinematic journey will remain unforgettable forever. I pray for peace to his soul. I express my deepest condolences to his family members and loved ones."
Time of India
3 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.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Veteran Telugu actor Kota Srinivas Rao passes away at 83
Veteran Telugu actor Kota Srinivas Rao, who gave a new style to villainous and comedy roles, passed away in the early hours of Sunday (July 13, 2025) at his residence in Hyderabad. He was 83. A former BJP MLA from Vijayawada, the senior actor, popularly known as Kota, was unwell due to age-related issues for the past few months. With a career spanning over four decades, Kota acted in more than 750 films and left his indelible mark in comedy, villainous, and character artist roles. His unique dialogue delivery in Telangana slang made him a household name. The actor began his journey as a theatre artist and later transitioned into films. Though born in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, he used the Telangana dialect with brilliance to make a name for himself. He shot to fame with his portrayal of a politician in the award-winning film 'Prathighatana', where he played a villainous comedian role with unparalleled conviction and finesse. With his comedy in 'Aha Naa Pellanta' he reached new peaks and none can forget his memorable dialogues from Ramgopal Verma's 'Gaayam' that are the favourites of meme creators even now. Inspired by his friend and coactor Babu Mohan, he took plunge into politics and won from Vijawayada constituency in the combined Andhra Pradesh from the BJP ticket and served as MLA from 1999-2004. Later, he concentrated on films realising that politics was not his cup of tea. Kota was conferred the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2015, and he also received numerous awards from State governments and film associations. An outspoken man, he was deeply distressed when his son passed away in a road accident and he was a shattered man since then. For the last few years, he hardly did any film assignments, confining himself to home due to age-related issues. His contribution to Telugu cinema is immeasurable and he will have his own page in the Telugu film industry for infusing freshness into comedy and character roles during his period. Condolences Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, BRS chief and former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and state BJP president N. Ramachander Rao condoled his death describing that the industry lost an actor par excellence.
