Kota Srinivasa Rao (10 July 1942 â 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. Rao's last film appearance was Hari Hara Veera Mallu, which was released in 2025.
Kota Srinivasa Rao was born on 10 July 1942 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).
Rao married Rukmini in 1965 rukmani born in 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).
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: