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.
Known for

Kabzaa

Aaradugula Bullet

Saamy Square

S/O Satyamurthy

Govindudu Andarivadele

Aranmanai

Power Unlimited

Race Gurram

Yevadu

Ramayya Vasthavayya

Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu

Naayak

Thaandavam

Julayi

Dhammu

Racha

Dookudu

Bodyguard

Maaro

Mirapakay

Khaleja

Darling

Shambo Shiva Shambo

Namo Venkatesa

Sankham

Anjaneyulu

Kick

Kantri

Krishna

Lakshyam

Munna

Aadavari Matalaku Arthale Verule

Yogi

Rakhi

Khatarnak

Sainikudu

Pournami

Shock

Chatrapathi

Athadu

Naani

Malliswari

Simhadri

Saamy

Student No: 1

Devi Putrudu

Vamsi

Annayya

Suryavamsam

Abbayigaru

Kondapalli Raja

Sundarakanda

Coolie No. 1

Sathruvu

Bobbili Raja
Actor
Kabzaa as
Aaradugula Bullet as MLA
Saamy Square as Perumal Pichai
S/O Satyamurthy as Devaraj's father
Govindudu Andarivadele as Balaraju's brother
Aranmanai as Swamiji
Power Unlimited as Baldev's uncle
Race Gurram as Hanumayya
Yevadu as Central Minister
Ramayya Vasthavayya as Umapathi
Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu as Brahmananda Rao
Naayak as Minister
Thaandavam as Central Minister
Julayi as Varada Rajulu
Dhammu as Raja of Veera Durgam Fort
Racha as Baireddanna
Dookudu as Mallesh Goud
Bodyguard as Siva Reddy
Maaro as Ex-minister Venkatratnam
Mirapakay as Shankar Anna
Khaleja as Raju's grandfather
Darling as Vishwanath's father
Namo Venkatesa as Mallesh
Sankham as Pasupathi
Anjaneyulu as Gurudev
Kick as
Kantri as Daiva Sahayam
Krishna as Rao K. Srinivasa Rao
Lakshyam as Chandu and Bose's father
Munna as Minister Srinivas Rao
Aadavari Matalaku Arthale Verule as Ganesh's father
Yogi as Kotayya
Rakhi as Rakhi's grandfather
Khatarnak as Dasu's father
Sainikudu as Chief Minister
Pournami as Nagendra Naidu
Shock as Dharma Reddy
Chatrapathi as Appala Naidu
Athadu as Baji Reddy
Naani as Doctor
Malliswari as Bhavani Prasad
Simhadri as
Saamy as Ilaya Perumal, Permal Pichai, Annachi
Student No: 1 as Sampat Verma
Devi Putrudu as
Vamsi as Rao Ankineedu's gang member
Annayya as Babai
Suryavamsam as Major Yeddulayya
Abbayigaru as Valeswar Rao
Kondapalli Raja as Gangadharam
Sundarakanda as
Coolie No. 1 as Ranga Rao
Sathruvu as Venkatarathnam
Bobbili Raja as