Kota Srinivasa Rao dies: Chiranjeevi, Pawan Kalyan attend funeral, pay tribute

Prominent Tollywood stars gathered to pay their respects to late Telugu icon Kota Srinivasa Rao on Sunday. He died at 83, leaving behind a rich legacy in Indian cinema with over 750 films across multiple languages.

In Short

• Veteran Telugu actor Kota Srinivasa Rao died at 83 in Hyderabad
• His funeral was attended by Telugu film stars, including Chiranjeevi and Pawan Kalyan
• Rao acted in over 750 films across multiple Indian languages

Veteran Telugu actor and former MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao died at the age of 83 in Hyderabad. At Rao's funeral, held at his house on Sunday, several prominent figures from the Telugu film industry, including megastar Chiranjeevi, Pawan Kalyan, Prakash Raj, Venkatesh Daggubati, and Rana Daggubati, among others paid their respects.

Chiranjeevi laid a wreath of red roses on Rao's remains and bowed his head in reverence before the actor's portrait. The actor's family members were also present at the sombre event, receiving condolences from their colleagues and friends. Actor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also arrived amid heavy security at the late actor's home.

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Veteran actor Brahmanandam was visibly moved during a press conference, where he spoke about the immense loss to the industry. He highlighted Kota Srinivasa Rao's remarkable career, which spanned nearly five decades, marking him as one of the most versatile actors in Indian cinema. His ability to portray a wide range of characters, from villains to comedians, made him a beloved figure among audiences.

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Kota Srinivasa Rao's illustrious film career began with his debut in the 1978 Telugu drama 'Pranam Khareedu'. Over the years, he appeared in over 750 films across multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam. Some of his most memorable roles include the antagonist in 'Gaayam' and his comedic performances in 'Money' and 'Aha Naa Pellanta'. His work has left an indelible mark on the industry, influencing many young actors who looked up to him.

The Tollywood industry, including celebrities like Jr NTR, Naga Chaitanya, Samantha, Mahesh Babu, Karthi, Varun Tej, Vishnu Manchu, Ravi Teja, and SS Rajamouli, mourned his loss and shared tributes on social media. Many expressed their admiration for his talent and dedication. Rao's multifaceted performances have left a lasting impact, and he will be remembered fondly by fans and peers alike. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and filmmakers, ensuring that his contributions to cinema are never forgotten.

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