Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, and YSRCP chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed profound sorrow over the passing of veteran Telugu actor and former MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao on Sunday. The Padma Shri awardee, who died at 83 in Hyderabad following a prolonged illness, leaves behind an unparalleled legacy in Indian cinema.

Naidu hailed Rao’s four-decade career, noting his mesmerizing performances as a villain and character artist in over 750 films across multiple languages. “His contributions to cinema and theatre, and his service as Vijayawada East MLA in 1999, are unforgettable,” Naidu posted on X, extending deep condolences to Rao’s family.

Governor Nazeer echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Rao’s global impact on Telugu audiences through his stage and screen brilliance. “His death is an irreparable loss to the film and theatre community,” Nazeer said in a Raj Bhavan press release, adding that Rao’s roles would remain etched in history.

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Reddy mourned Rao’s demise as a significant loss to Indian cinema, praising his versatile performances. “His artistic legacy will inspire generations,” Reddy wrote on X, praying for peace for Rao’s soul.

Rao, born in 1942 in Kankipadu, Andhra Pradesh, debuted in 1978 with Pranam Khareedu and earned nine Nandi Awards for his versatile roles.

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