Legendary Telugu actor and former BJP MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away at the age of 83 in the early hours of Sunday due to age-related health issues. The veteran actor, who had been ailing for several years, breathed his last at his residence in Hyderabad, according to sources from the film industry.

Known for his powerful screen presence and versatile acting, Kota Srinivasa Rao was a towering figure in Indian cinema. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he acted in over 750 films across Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam languages.

He made his film debut in 1978 with Pranam Khareedu, which also launched the career of Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi. Some of Rao’s most iconic performances include roles in Pratighatana, Satruvu, Ahana Pellanta, Hello Brother, Money, and director Ram Gopal Varma’s cult classics Siva and Gaayam.

In recognition of his immense contribution to Indian cinema, he was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors.

Apart from his film career, Kota also had a significant political role. He served as a BJP MLA representing Vijayawada East in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly from 1999 to 2004. Known for his oratory and cultural insights, he remained an influential figure both on and off-screen.

News of his passing has drawn condolences from across the political and film spectrum:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah
• Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy,
• Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu,
• Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy,
• Andhra Deputy CM and actor Pawan Kalyan,
• Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu,
• Telangana BJP president N. Ramchander Rao,
• Andhra BJP leader PVN Madhav, …all expressed their grief over the loss of the legendary actor.

From the film industry, heartfelt tributes poured in from Chiranjeevi, Jr NTR, producer D. Suresh Babu, veteran actor Murali Mohan, and many others who praised Kota’s unmatched legacy in cinema.

Actor and close friend Sivaji Raja said that funeral arrangements would be finalized once Srinivasa Rao’s younger brother and fellow actor Kota Sankar Rao arrives in Hyderabad.

Kota Srinivasa Rao leaves behind a remarkable legacy as a legendary actor, a respected public servant, and an inspiration to generations of performers. His loss marks the end of a golden era in Telugu cinema.