Personal info
Known for

Actor

Gender

Male

Birthday

10 July

Location

Andhra Pradesh, India

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Kota Srinivasa Rao

Biography

Kota Srinivasa Rao was born on 10 July 1947 in Kankipadu, Andhra Pradesh, India. He developed an interest in acting early in life and began performing in stage plays, which laid the foundation for his long and successful career in Telugu cinema.

 

 

Film Career

Kota Srinivasa Rao is one of the most versatile and respected actors in Telugu cinema. Known for his powerful dialogue delivery, impeccable comic timing, and ability to portray both villainous and character roles, he has appeared in over 750 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi cinema.

 

He made his film debut in the 1970s and soon became known for his compelling portrayals of antagonists, earning acclaim for roles that combined intensity with nuance. Some of his notable films include:

 

Siva (1989) – A landmark film in Telugu cinema.

Gaayam (1993) – Celebrated for his villainous role.

Aha Naa Pellanta (1987) – Showcasing his comic abilities.

Shiva (1989) – Highlighting his strong supporting performance.

 

Over the decades, Kota Srinivasa Rao has effortlessly transitioned from villain roles to character and supporting roles, earning respect for his adaptability and depth.

 

 

Awards and Recognition

Four-time recipient of the Nandi Award for Best Villain and Best Character Actor.

Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor in Telugu cinema.

Recognized as one of the finest character actors in South Indian cinema.

 

 

Personal Life

Kota Srinivasa Rao is known for his dedication to the craft of acting and his humility off-screen. His family has also been associated with the arts, and he continues to inspire younger actors with his professionalism and passion.

 

Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away in the early hours of 13 July 2025 at the age of 83, at his home in Film Nagar, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, after a long illness. His death came just three days after he celebrated his 83rd birthday.

 

 

His passing marked the conclusion of a remarkable era in Telugu cinema. Over a career lasting more than four decades, Rao appeared in over 750 films across the Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi industries. He was celebrated for his versatility, distinctive voice, and memorable performances in both villainous and comedic roles.

 

 

Throughout his career, he received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Padma Shri in 2015 and nine Nandi Awards for his outstanding contributions to cinema.

Actor
2023

Kabzaa as

2018

Saamy Square as Perumal Pichai

2015

S/O Satyamurthy as Devaraj's father

2014

Govindudu Andarivadele as Balaraju's brother

2014

Aranmanai as Swamiji

2014

Power Unlimited as Baldev's uncle

2014

Race Gurram as Hanumayya

2014

Yevadu as Central Minister

2013

Ramayya Vasthavayya as Umapathi

2013

Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu as Brahmananda Rao

2013

Naayak as Minister

2012

Thaandavam as Central Minister

2012

Julayi as Varada Rajulu

2012

Dhammu as Raja of Veera Durgam Fort

2012

Racha as Baireddanna

2011

Dookudu as Mallesh Goud

2011

Bodyguard as Siva Reddy

2011

Maaro as Ex-minister Venkatratnam

2011

Mirapakay as Shankar Anna

2010

Khaleja as Raju's grandfather

2010

Darling as Vishwanath's father

2010

Namo Venkatesa as Mallesh

2009

Sankham as Pasupathi

2009

Anjaneyulu as Gurudev

2009

Kick as

2008

Kantri as Daiva Sahayam

2008

Krishna as Rao K. Srinivasa Rao

2007

Lakshyam as Chandu and Bose's father

2007

Munna as Minister Srinivas Rao

2007

Aadavari Matalaku Arthale Verule as Ganesh's father

2007

Yogi as Kotayya

2006

Rakhi as Rakhi's grandfather

2006

Khatarnak as Dasu's father

2006

Sainikudu as Chief Minister

2006

Pournami as Nagendra Naidu

2006

Shock as Dharma Reddy

2005

Chatrapathi as Appala Naidu

2005

Athadu as Baji Reddy

2004

Naani as Doctor

2004

Malliswari as Bhavani Prasad

2003

Simhadri as

2003

Saamy as Ilaya Perumal, Permal Pichai, Annachi

2001

Student No: 1 as Sampat Verma

2000

Vamsi as Rao Ankineedu's gang member

2000

Annayya as Babai

1998

Suryavamsam as Major Yeddulayya

1993

Abbayigaru as Valeswar Rao

1993

Kondapalli Raja as Gangadharam

1991

Coolie No. 1 as Ranga Rao

1991

Sathruvu as Venkatarathnam