Kota Srinivasa Rao passes away: Chiranjeevi, Mahesh Babu, Jr NTR, Ravi Teja and more mourn the loss of legendary actor

The veteran actor passed away due to age-related issues on Sunday in Hyderabad

Veteran Telugu actor Kota Srinivasa Rao breathed his last at the age of 83 on Sunday (July 13, 2025) at his residence in Hyderabad. The actor had been unwell due to age-related issues for the past few months. A maverick with a career spanning over four decades and over 750 films, the actor left an indelible mark as a comedian, villain and a character artist.

The news of this passing has sent shockwaves across the Indian film industry, with many prominent celebrities like Chiranjeevi, Jr NTR, and Ravi Teja expressing their condolences.

Veteran actor Chiranjeevi, in a post on X, called Kota a multifaceted genius, reminiscing about how they both made their debuts in the 1978 film Pranam Khareedu. “Thereafter, he acted in hundreds of films, portraying countless diverse roles, captivating Telugu audiences with his unique and distinctive style, and securing a permanent place in their hearts. Be it a comedic villain, a serious villain, or a supporting character, every role he played was performed with such brilliance that it felt only he could do it justice,” wrote Chiranjeevi.

Here’s a visual of Chiranjeevi speaking to the media outside the residence of the late actor:

Meanwhile, actor Nagarjuna Akkineni wrote, “Dear Kota garu so many beautiful memories come back..your affection, your sense of humour and above all your irreplaceable talent!! Deepest condolences to the family (sic).”

Actor Venkatesh Daggubati, who worked with Kota in many films such as Sathruvu, Suryavamsam, and Aadavari Matalaku Arthale Verule among others, called him a legend in every sense, one who “brought greatness to every role.”

“He’ll be deeply missed. I’ll forever be grateful for the moments we shared on and off the screen. May his soul rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences to his family,” wrote Venkatesh.

Pawan Kalyan too paid a heartfelt tribute to Kota. On X, the actor wrote, “The news of the passing of renowned senior film actor, former MLA, and Padma Shri awardee Kota Srinivasa Rao garu is deeply saddening. A multi-faceted talent who acted in over 700 films in various Indian languages in diverse roles, his demise is an irreparable loss to the film industry. He began his cinematic journey at the same time as my elder brother Chiranjeevi garu with the film Pranam Khareedu.

“It remains a cherished memory that I had the opportunity to act alongside him in more than half a dozen films. I pray for peace to his noble soul and extend my deepest condolences to his family members and fans,” wrote Pawan.

Mahesh Babu expressed his condolences and wrote, “This loss feels personal to all of us who grew up watching and learning from him.”

In a post shared on his official X handle, RRR-star Jr NTR called Kota Srinivasa Rao a great actor who breathed life into his roles. “The moments I shared and acted with him in my cinematic journey will remain unforgettable foreve,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli called Kota “a master of his craft, a legend who breathed life into every character he portrayed,” in his tribute. “His presence on screen was truly irreplaceable. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Om Shanti,” he wrote.

Actor Ram Charan also expressed his condolences on X. “The memorable characters he has etched in our memories will be remembered forever,” he wrote.

Telugu star Ravi Teja, who worked with Kota in films such as Idiot, Krishna and Kick, said that the actor was like family to him and that he will cherish the memories working with him.

Actor Mohan Babu wrote, "Dear Kota,You will be missed. Deeply. Your talent, your presence, your soul- unforgettable. At a loss for words. Praying for his family. Om Shanti! (sic)“

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, with whom Kota worked in several films such as Shiva, Sarkar and Raktacharitra, paid his tribute, writing, “KOTA SRINIVASA RAO is undoubtedly one of the greatest actors cinema has ever seen ..The effect of his contribution to my films SHIVA. GAAYAM, MONEY, SARKAR and RAKTACHARITRA is immeasurable..Sir #kotasrinivasarao Gaaru, you might have gone but your characters will live forever (sic)”

Tamil actor Karthi, with whom Kota had acted in Saguni and All in All Azhagu Raja, said, “His love for the craft, his energy on set, and the unforgettable characters he brought to life will always stay with us.”

Tamil actor Sarath Kumar said he will cherish the unforgettable experience of working with Kota in Aei. “Beyond his immense contribution to cinema, his commitment to public service was admirable. The South Indian film industry has lost a remarkable artist. May his legacy live on forever,” he wrote.

Actor Gautami Tadimalla, in her post on X, wrote, “He was a great actor whose versatility brought alive so many characters on the silver screen through decades of honing his craft and I am honoured that I had the opportunity to work with him in many memorable films.”

Actor Vishnu Manchu, who shared screen with Kota Srinivasa Garu in films such as Denikaina Ready and Doosukeltha, called him “an unmatched talent, and a man whose presence lit up every frame he was in.”

Meanwhile, Tamil actor Vishal, who worked with the actor in 2008’s Sathyam, said that the silver screen will miss a great performer. “Had a great memorable time to work with sir in my movie Sathyam. He used to stand out as a villain in all languages. Can never forget his performance in ramgopal varma sir s SARKAR. My deepest condolences and may his soul rest in peace. May God give strength and ability to his family to overcome this loss to them (sic)“ wrote Vishal.

Chaitanya Akkineni too paid his tribute to Kota

In his heartfelt tribute, actor Sai Dharam Tej wrote, “His acting in numerous films was extraordinary. Sometimes he instilled fear on the screen, other times he brought smiles, and at times he made us laugh so hard our stomachs hurt... and now he has left us with this sorrow. I don’t have enough experiences to fully describe him, but an actor like him will never be seen again in the Telugu industry.”

Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, in his tribute, said Kota will forever remain in the hearts of Telugu audiences. “The Telugu film industry has lost a great actor. Praying for peace to his soul, I express my deepest condolences to his family,” he added.

Actor Sharwanand called Kota Srinivasa Rao “a true legend whose impact will forever remain in our hearts.”

Manoj Manchu too paid his tribute to the late actor with a tweet

Meanwhile, many prominent politicians, including Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, BRS chief and former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and state BJP president N. Ramachander Rao condoled Kota’s death, stating the film industry lost an actor par excellence.

Kota began his journey as a theatre artist and later transitioned into films. Though born in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, he used the Telangana dialect with brilliance to make a name for himself. He shot to fame with his portrayal of a politician in the award-winning film ‘Prathighatana’, where he played a villainous comedian role with unparalleled conviction and finesse.

Inspired by his friend and co-actor Babu Mohan, he took a plunge into politics and won from Vijayawada constituency in the combined Andhra Pradesh from the BJP ticket and served as MLA from 1999-2004.