Kota Srinivasa Rao

Kota Srinivasa Rao (10 July 1942 – 13 July 2025) was an Indian actor and politician. Known for his work primarily in Telugu cinema and theatre, he also starred in a few films in Tamil, Hindi, Kannada and Malayalam. As a politician, Rao has served as the MLA from Vijayawada East in Andhra Pradesh, India from 1999 to 2004. He made his debut with the Telugu film Pranam Khareedu in 1978. He starred in over 750 feature films. He won nine state Nandi Awards in various categories of villain, character actor, and supporting actor. In 2012, he garnered the SIIMA Award for his work in Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum. In 2015, he was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian honour, for his contribution to Indian cinema.

Early life Kota Srinivasa Rao was born on 10 July 1942 in a Telugu brahmin family in the village of Kankipadu in present-day Andhra Pradesh. His father Seetha Rama Anjaneyulu was a doctor. Srinivasa Rao initially aimed to become a doctor but eventually couldn't make it because of his love towards acting. He started his career on stage in plays during college. He had a Bachelor of Science degree and worked as a State Bank employee before entering the film industry.

Srinivasa Rao's younger brother Kota Sankara Rao is also an actor. He works in a nationalised bank and acts primarily in TV soap operas.

In 1978, Rao made his debut in the Telugu industry with Pranam Khareedu. He has received wide critical acclaim for his diverse roles in films such as S/O Satyamurthy (2015), Attarintiki Daredi (2013), Rakta Charitra (2010), Leader (2010), Ready (2008), Pellaina Kothalo (2006), Sarkar (2006), Bommarillu (2006), Chatrapathi (2005), Athadu (2005), Aa Naluguru (2004), Malliswari (2004), Idiot (2002), Prudhvi Narayana (2002), Chinna (2000), Ganesh (1998), Anaganaga Oka Roju (1997), Little Soldiers (1996), Aame (1994), Hello Brother (1994), Teerpu (1994), Govindha Govindha (1993), Gaayam (1993), Money (1993), Sathruvu (1990), Siva (1989), Aha Naa Pellanta (1987), Pratighatana (1985), and Repati Pourulu (1986).

Personal life Rao married Rukmini in 1965 rukmani born on 24 June 1945 and they had three children (2 daughters and a son). Their son, Kota Venkata Anjaneya Prasad, died on 20 June 2010 in a road accident in Hyderabad. Prasad acted in J. D. Chakravarthy's film Siddham and alongside his father in Gaayam 2 (2010).

Death Kota Srinivasa Rao died in the early hours of 13 July 2025, at the age of 83, at his residence in Film Nagar, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, following a prolonged illness. His death came just three days after his 83rd birthday.

His death marked the end of an era in Telugu cinema. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Rao acted in over 750 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema. He was known for his versatility, voice modulation, and impactful performances in both villainous and comedic roles.

He was a recipient of several honours, including the Padma Shri in 2015 and nine Nandi Awards for his performances.

His death was mourned across the Indian film industry: Director S. S. Rajamouli called him "a master of his craft" whose characters would live on forever. Actor Chiranjeevi, a longtime collaborator, expressed deep grief and said that Rao's range and voice modulation were unmatched.

Filmography As actor Telugu + List of Kota Srinivasa Rao film credits in Telugu cinema Year Title Role Notes 1978 Pranam Khareedu 1979Maavoori Devatha1983Moodu Mullu Amarajeevi 1984Devanthakudu1985 Babayi-Abbayi Vande Mataram Pratighatana Kasaiah 1986 Tandra Paparayudu Ashtalakshmi Vaibhavam RavanaPrema Gharshana Dora Bidda Chaitanyam Poojaku Panikiraani Puvvu Vivaha Bandham Karpoora Deepam Chadastapu Mogudu Naa Pilupe Prabhanjanam Akkupakshi Santhi Nivasam Cowboy No. 1 Repati Pourulu Ide Naa Samadhanam Satyam 1987 Aha Naa Pellanta Lakshmipathi Attagaru Zindabad Chintapikkala Chinna Rao Marana Homam Dayamayudu Rowdy Babai Kaboye Alludu Veera Pratap Marati Kulala Kurukshetram Rowdy Police Bharatamlo Arjunudu Chaitanya RathamMaa Voori Magadu Sathakopam Jebu Donga Rambantu Bhargava Ramudu Subhavartha Mandaladeesudu Bhima Rao Sri Kanaka Maalakshmi Recording Dance Troop Yella Papa Rao 1988 Varasudochhadu Sahasam Cheyara Dimbhaka Harmonium Hanumantha Rao Choopulu Kalasina Subhavela Gurnadham Yamudiki Mogudu Kotayya Khaidi No. 786 Surya Chandra Rao BandipotuM.L.A. YedukondaluPremayanamMaa Inti MaharajuRockyJhansi Rani Neelakantham, CB-CID OfficerPrana Snehithulu Veguchukka Pagatichukka Ooregimpu Asthulu Anthasthulu Doctor Gari Abbayi Mugguru Kodukulu Nyayaniki Siksha Dharmaraju Praja Pratinidhi Mr. Hero Sarabhaiah Bazaar Rowdy Collector Vijaya Ugranethrudu Pachipenta Papa Rao Kaliyuga Karnudu Panganamala King George O Bharya Katha Sundar Rao 1989 Swara Kalpana Police Report Hai Hai Nayaka Pedda Rayudu Bava Bava Panneeru Bandhuvulostunnaru Jagratha Suraiah Naa Mogudu Naa Sontham Sahasame Naa Oopiri Black Tiger Zoo Lakataka Bhagavan Krishna Gari Abbayi Rajakeeya Chadarangam Siva Machiraju Preminchi Chudu Akkineni Bala Chandra aka A B C Chowdary Mouna Poratam Sarvabhoumudu Appanna Vicky Daada Inspector Kota Ajatha Satruvu Papaala Parandhamaiah Oorantha Golanta Dasavatharam Jayammu Nischayammu Raa! Patel Dorikithe Dongalu Bhairava Murthy Palnati Rudraiah Sisupala Rayudu 1990 Chevilo Puvvu Manager Venkateswara Rao Maa Inti Katha Aggi Ramudu Jayasimha Devadanam Kondaveeti Rowdy Alajadi Master Kapuram Udhyamam Rajaram Sathruvu Venkatarathnam Prajala Manishi Bhupathi Justice Rudrama Devi Sanyasi Rao Nagastram Iddaru Iddare Kaliyuga Abhimanyudu Kukkala Kanaka Rao aka Pithaji Inspector Rudra Sahasa Putrudu Yama Dharmaraju Prema Zindabad Bobbili Raja Ahobala Rao Raja Vikramarka Raja Kotappa 1991 Seetharamayya Gari Manavaralu Veerabhadraiah Super Express Inspector Ramaiah Mamagaru Pothuraja Kobbari Bondam Maha Yagnam Pichi Pullayya Chaitanya Edu Kondalaswamy Indra BhavanamSanayyaAgni NakshatramAthiradhudu Appala Naidu Athmabandham Prema Vijetha Stuartpuram Police Station Sathruvu Prema Entha Madhuram Narayan Rao Rowdy Alludu Venkat Ramudu 1992 Pelli Neeku Shobhanam Naaku Pachani Samsaram Chitram Bhalare Vichitram G. Garudachalam Chilara Mogudu Allari Koduku Aswamedham Rayudu Yamudannaki MoguduMogudu Pellala DongataGang WarKaruninchina Kanaka DurgaSrimaan BrahmachariNani Joker Mama Super Alludu Bangaraiah Alexander Bhale Khaideelu Seetharatnam Gari Abbayi Moratodu Naa Mogudu Sundarakanda Praana Daata Akka Mogudu 420 Tadi Mattayya Chittemma Mogudu Military Babai President Gari Pellam Nadamuni 1993 Rajendrudu Gajendrudu Kotilingam Amma Kodaku Subbaiah Kondapalli RajaManavarali Pelli Peddi RajuRakshana Tholi Muddu Rendilla Poojari Matru Devo Bhava Pellama Majaka Money Mechanic Alludu Kotappa Jeevithame Oka Cinema Mayalodu Appalakonda Vastavam Inspector AshwiniPelli Gola Konguchaatu Krishnudu Attaku Koduku Mamaku Alludu Nakshatra Poratam Aarambham Radha Saradhi Jamba Lakidi Pamba Ramalakshmi's father Ish Gup Chup Gaayam Guru Narayan Chinna Alludu Ladies Special Himself Rowdy MoguduSrikakulam Akka Pettanam Chelleli Kapuram Bava Bavamaridi Evandi Aavida Vachindi Alibaba Aradajanu Dongalu Mutha Mestri Chitikela Pandiri 1994 Govinda Govinda Satyananda Swamy Yes Nenante Nene Appaji Police Brothers Yamaleela Inspector Ranjith Pelli Koduku Maga Rayudu Yama Ammayi Kapuram Number One Muddula Priyudu Hello Brother Tadi Mattayya Criminal Gharana Alludu Ramakoti Andaru Andare Aame Srinivasa Rao Top Hero Dasu Mugguru Monagallu Raithu Bharatam Kishkindha Kanda Pacha Thoranam Lucky Chance Nayudamma Police Alludu Vishwanatham Subhalagnam Bangarayah Super Police Abbanna Money Money Allaudin Hello Alludu 1995 Subha Sankalpam Ghatotkachudu Mantrikudu Badili Rambantu Alluda Majaka Kota Pentaiah Aasthi Mooredu Aasa BareduRaja SimhamTaj MahalAalu Magalu Sisindri Aunty Telugu Veera Levara Pamu Gharana Bullodu Ammaji's husband Bhale Bullodu Maato Pettukoku Mayor Geedapenta Basavaiah Big Boss Varadarajulu Aayanaki Iddaru Mysore Jackson Akkum Bakkum 1996 Jagadeka Veerudu Raja Rao Bahadur Bombay Priyudu Intlo Illalu Vantintlo Priyuralu Sriram's father Sahanam Once More Topi Raja Sweety Roja Gunshot Mummy Mee Aayanochadu Little Soldiers Major Harishchandra Prasad Akkada Abbai Ikkada Ammayi Suleiman Oho Naa Pellanta Vallabha Rao Pittala Dora Vamshanikokkadu Kotilingam Vinodam Bangaram Anaganaga Oka Roju 1997 Chilakkottudu Annamayya Minister Veedevadandi Babu Panjaram Collector GaruEvandi Pelli ChesukondiHello I Love YouIllaluThoka Leni Pitta Peddanayya Aahwanam Priyaragalu Ayyinda Leda Kotesh, the multi-millionaire Mama Bagunnavaa? Maa Nannaki Pelli Subba Raju Super Heroes Taraka Ramudu Gokulamlo Seetha Muddukrishnayya Dongaata Subbalakshmi's father Chinnabbayi DevuduGangaraju1998 Pratishta Katari Aavida Maa Aavide Murari Maavidaakulu Bapineedu Pelli Peetalu Bavagaru Bagunnara? Pedda Basavaraju Asala Sandadi GamyamBapineedu Sreevarante Maavare Kanyadanam Venkat's father Ganesh Health Minister Samba Sivudu Pavitra Prema Kodukulu Pape Naa Pranam Sri Ramulayya Raayudu Suryavamsam Major Yeddulayya Subhalekhalu 1999 Harischandra Sneham Kosam Swapnalokam Vichitram Simhachalam Bharata Ratna Swayamvaram Samarasimha Reddy Kanthamma's brother Hello...Yama! Yama Dharma Raja Manikyam Mechanic Mavayya Rani's father 2000 Postman Ramkoti Annayya Babai Manasunna Maaraju Nuvvu Vastavani Koteswara Rao Badri Badri's father Maa Pelliki Randi Vamsi Ankineedu's gang member Okkadu Chalu Nandigama Narayana Ayodhya Ramayya Prema Sandadi Cheliya Cheliya Chirukopama Manasunna Maaraju Vijayaramaraju Sakumba Saparivara Sametamga 2001 Orey Thammudu Chinna Appa Rao Student No. 1 Leakage Sambashiva Rao Daddy Shanti's paternal uncle Maa Aavida Meeda Ottu Mee Aavida Chala Manchidi Maa Aayana Sundarayya Eduruleni Manishi Preminchu Dolly's father Prematho Raa Chandu's grandfather Pandanti Samsaram Chalapathi Family Circus Lance Naik Bhaghat Naa Manasistha Raa Akasa Veedhilo G.K. Adhipati Gnaneswara Rao Thank You Subba Rao Veedekkadi Mogudandi Badrachalam Idem Oorura Babu Hanuman Junction Darling Darling Srinivasa Rao 2002 Kondaveeti Simhasanam Raghava Lakshma Reddy Avunu Valliddaru Ista Paddaru! O Chinadana Santosham Himsaraju / Vikram Allari Mahabala Rao Tappu Chesi Pappu Koodu Pedda Koteswara Rao Idiot Head Constable Venkata Swamy Prudhvi Narayana Narayana Sandade Sandadi Lakshmi Narayana / Lucky Premalo Pavani Kalyan Sitarama Raju Gelupu 2003 Pellam Oorelithe Ammulu Donga Ramudu and Party K. Srinivas Simhachalam Home Minister Pellamto Panenti Kalyani's father Simhadri Tagore Satyam Shankar 2004 Pellam Oorelithe Malliswari Bhavani Prasad Naani Doctor Shanti Sandesham Gudumba Shankar Devudu Suryam Police Officer Satta 2005 Orey Pandu Police Inspector Dhairyam Makarana's father Soggadu Ravi's father Naa Alludu Bilahari Hungama Pedda Babu Athadu Baaji Reddy Chatrapati Appala Naidu Allari Bullodu Allari Pidugu Subbalakshmi's father Seenugadu Chiranjeevi Fan Seenu's grandfather Sri Mahanandi Nayar 2006 Shock Dharma Reddy Nandanavanam 120km Banerjee Andala Ramudu Bhushanam Sainikudu Chief Minister Pellaina Kothalo Veeraraju Pournami Nagendra Naidu Bommarillu Kanaka Rao Rakhi Rakhi's grandfather Khatarnak Dasu's father 2007 Yogi Kotaiah Bhajantreelu Athidi MLA Maccha Srinu Pellaindi Kaani Rajeshwari's brother Lakshyam Chandu & Bose's father Munna Srinivas Rao Aadavari Matalaku Ardhalu Verule Ganesh's father Classmates Professor Chandram 2008 Krishna K. Srinivasa Rao [Advocate] Okka Magadu Visakha Express Mohan Rao Idi Sangathi Chief Minister Nee Sukhame Ne Korukunna Sarvabhouma Rao Salute Home Minister Kondal Rao Ready Peddi Naidu Sundarakanda Kota Kousalya Supraja Rama Ranga Rao Kantri Daiva Sahayam Bujjigadu Machi Reddy Hare Ram G. Siva Reddy (Health Minister) Pourudu Kasi Hero Ram Mohan Rao Gajibiji 2009 Aa Intlo Rajavari Chepala Cheruvu Evaraina Epudaina Sare Nee Istam Kick Minister Sankham Pasupathi Anjaneyulu Gurudev Posani Gentleman 2010 Leader Mahadevayya (Peddayana) Maro Charitra Darling Vishwanath's father Simha Veerakesavudu's father Gaayam 2 Guru Narayana Khaleja Raju's Grandfather Brindaavanam Durga Prasad Rakta Charitra Rajidi Nagamani Reddy Kalyan Ram Kathi Krishna Mohan's father Rakta Charitra 2 Rajidi Nagamani Reddy Kathi Kantha Rao Ringu Raja Rao Ragada Gangaiah 2011 Mirapakaay Shankar Anna Dookudu Mallesh Goud Bejawada Ramana Maaro Venkatratnam Kshetram Chinnanna 2012 Bodyguard Siva Reddy Dhammu Raja of Veera Durgam Fort Adhinayakudu Politician Srimannarayana Rajan Modaliyar Rachcha Baireddanna Nenu Naa Rakshasi Vishwanath Gabbar Singh Bhagyalakshmi's father Poola Rangadu Ranga's father Julayi MLA Varadarajulu Denikaina Ready Rudrama Naidu Cameraman Gangatho Rambabu Jawahar Naidu Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum Subrahmanyam 2013 Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu Brahmananda Rao Ramayya Vasthavayya Umapathi Doosukeltha Rajeshwar Attarintiki Daredi Siddhappa Naidu Okkadine Sivaiah Naayak Minister 2014 Yevadu Central Minister Race Gurram Hanumayya Prathinidhi Chief Minister Sambasiva Rao Jump Jilani Venkatnarayana Power Baldev's Uncle Anukshanam Home Minister Run Raja Run Minister Govindharaju Govindudu Andarivadele Balaraju's brother 2015 Temper Judge S/O Satyamurthy Devaraj's Father Lion Murugan Jadoogadu Subramanyam for Sale Govind's father 2016 Terror Home Minister Ghatana Viswanatham 2017 Gunturodu MLA Koteswara Rao Radha Chief Minister Balakrishnudu Raghunandan Yadav Jawaan Baabai (Uncle) 2018 Achari America Yatra Chakrapani Gayatri Judge 2019 Maharshi Pooja's grandfather ABCD: American Born Confused Desi Koteswara Sita Basavaraju's father-in-law Rajdooth Sanjay's grandfather Oorantha Anukuntunnaru Oori Pedda 2021 Konda Polam Grandfather of Ravi Power Play 2022 Hero Arjuna's father 2023 Suvarna Sundari Priest 2025 Hari Hara Veera MalluPeddha DoraPosthumous film

Tamil Year Title Role Notes 2003 Saamy Perumal Pichai 2004 Kuthu Annamalai Jore Lingam Aai Naachiyaar Jaisurya Highways Govindan 2005 Thirupaachi Saniyan Saggadai 2006 Paramasivan Swami Kathirvedhi Kokki Uppiliappan 2008 Sadhu Miranda Venkata Sabhapathy Sathyam Home Minister Kondal Dhasan Dhanam Vedhagiri 2009 Karthik Anitha Ramachandramoorthy Perumal Laadam Pavadai Odipolama Anjali's father Jaganmohini Sidhar 2010 Kanagavel Kaaka Ayyanarappan Ambasamuthiram Ambani Annachi 2011 Bhavani Sivalingam Ko Aalavandhan Mambattiyan Annachchi 2012 Saguni Perumal Thaandavam Home Minister Maasi Paramasivam 2013 All in All Azhagu Raja Chokkanathan 2014 Malini 22 Palayamkottai Santhanam Damaal Dumeel Ilavarasu Thalaivan Cameo appearance Thalakonam Minister Sethupathy 2017 Maragadha Naanayam Astrologer 2018 Saamy 2 Ilaiya Perumal (Perumal Pichai) Cameo Kaathadi Seth

Hindi

Kannada

Other languages Year Title Role Language Notes2006 Hyderabad Nawabs Dasanna Deccani 2011 The Train Yogesh Thivari Malayalam

As singer

As dubbing artist

Premikula Roju

Nandi Awards Special Jury Award – Pratighatana (1985) Best Villain – Gaayam (1993) Best Villain – Teerpu (1994) Best Character Actor – Little Soldiers (1996) Best Villain – Ganesh (1998) Best Villain – Chinna (2001) Best Supporting Actor – Prudhvi Narayana (2002) Best Character Actor – Aa Naluguru (2004) Best Character Actor – Pellaina Kothalo (2006)

SIIMA Awards South Indian International Movie Award – Best Supporting Actor – Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum (2012)

Other honours Allu Ramalingaiah Puraskaram