Kota Srinivasa Rao

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.

• Name — Kota Srinivasa Rao • Political Party — Bharatiya Janata Party • Born — 10 July 1942 • Birthplace — Kankipadu, Vijayawada, Madras Province, British India (present-day Andhra Pradesh, India) • Died — 13 July 2025 • Place of death — Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana, India • Children — 3 • Occupation — * Actor • politician • Years Active — 19772025 • Honours — Padma Shri (2015) 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. 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 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).

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).

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.

List of Kota Srinivasa Rao film credits in Telugu cinema • Year — Title — Role — Notes • 1978 — Pranam Khareedu • 1979 — Maavoori Devatha • 1983 — Moodu Mullu • Amarajeevi • 1984 — Devanthakudu • 1985 — Babayi-Abbayi • Vande Mataram • Pratighatana — Kasaiah • 1986 — Tandra Paparayudu — Hyder Jung • Ashtalakshmi Vaibhavam — Ravana • Prema 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 Ratham • Maa 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 • Bandipotu — M.L.A. Yedukondalu • Premayanam • Maa Inti Maharaju • Rocky • Jhansi Rani — Neelakantham, CB-CID Officer • Prana 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 Bhavanam — Sanayya • Agni Nakshatram • Athiradhudu — 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 Mogudu • Mogudu Pellala Dongata • Gang War • Karuninchina Kanaka Durga • Srimaan Brahmachari • Nani • 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 Raja • Manavarali Pelli — Peddi Raju • Rakshana • Tholi Muddu • Rendilla Poojari • Matru Devo Bhava • Pellama Majaka • Money • Mechanic Alludu — Kotappa • Jeevithame Oka Cinema • Mayalodu — Appalakonda • Vastavam • Inspector Ashwini • Pelli 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 Mogudu — Srikakulam • 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 Baredu • Raja Simham • Taj Mahal • Aalu 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 Garu • Evandi Pelli Chesukondi • Hello I Love You • Illalu • Thoka 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 • Devudu — Gangaraju • 1998 — Pratishta — Katari • Aavida Maa Aavide — Murari • Maavidaakulu — Bapineedu • Pelli Peetalu • Bavagaru Bagunnara? — Pedda Basavaraju • Asala Sandadi • Gamyam — Bapineedu • 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 K. Sudarshan Rao • 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 Mallu — Peddha Dora — Posthumous film

• 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

• Year — Title — Role — Notes • 1987 — Pratighaat • 2005 — Sarkar — Selver Mani • 2006 — Darwaza Bandh Rakho — Veterinary Doctor Umapathi • 2007 — Darling — Psychiatrist • 2009 — Luck — Swami • 2009 — Kirkit • 2010 — Rakta Charitra — Rajidi Nagamani Reddy • 2010 — Rakta Charitra 2 • 2016 — Baaghi — Dasanna

• Year — Title — Role — Notes • 1997 — Lady Commissioner • 2003 — Raktha Kanneeru • 2004 — Love • 2005 — Namma Basava — Pampathy • Nammanna • 2007 — Masti • 2011 — Srimathi • 2023 — Kabzaa

• Year — Title — Role — Language — Notes • 2006 — Hyderabad Nawabs — Dasanna — Deccani • 2011 — The Train — Yogesh Thivari — Malayalam

• Year — Title — Song — Notes • 1995 — Sisindri — "Ori Naayano" • 2012 — Gabbar Singh — "Mandu Babulam"

• Year — Title — Actor — Notes • 1993 — Gentleman — Goundamani — Telugu dubbed version • 1996 — Bharatyeedu • 1999 — Narasimha — Manivannan • Premikula Roju — Goundamani • Oke Okkadu — Manivannan • 2000 — Priyuralu Pilichindi • 2002 — Baba — Goundamani • 2005 — Majaa — Manivannan • 2007 — Sivaji: The Boss