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

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.

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.

In a post shared on his official X handle, 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.

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.

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, with whom Kota worked in several films such as Shiva, Sarkar and Raktacharitra, paid his tribute, writing, “#kotasrinivasarao Gaaru, you might have gone but your characters will live forever.”

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.