Veteran Telugu actor and former BJP MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao, celebrated for his versatile roles, passed away at his Filmnagar residence in Hyderabad on Sunday morning at the age of 83. He had been battling age-related ailments for several days, industry sources confirmed.

Rao, a Padma Shri recipient, featured in over 750 films across Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema, redefining villainous and character roles. His career, spanning nearly five decades, began with the 1978 Telugu drama Pranam Khareedu. Notable films include Gaayam (1993), Teerpu (1994), Aa Naluguru (2004), and Bommarillu (2006), earning him multiple Nandi and SIIMA Awards.

Before films, Rao was a revered theatre artist, known for his commanding voice and expressive acting. He also served as an MLA from Vijayawada, contributing to public life. Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu mourned his demise, calling it an “irreparable loss” to cinema and society. Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy expressed profound grief, noting Rao’s absence as a void in the film industry.

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Tributes poured in from stars like Chiranjeevi and Vishnu Manchu, with fans gathering outside Rao’s residence. His last rites are scheduled for Sunday evening in Hyderabad. Rao is survived by his wife, Rukmini, and two daughters, having lost his son in a 2010 accident. His legacy as a cinematic icon endures.

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