The Telugu film industry is in mourning following the death of veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao, who passed away on Sunday morning at his residence in Hyderabad. Tributes have been pouring in from all corners, with many prominent personalities expressing their grief and sharing memories of the legendary actor. Among those who mourned the loss was actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who took to social media to express her condolences.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu shared her heartfelt tribute on her Instagram Stories, calling Kota Srinivasa Rao "irreplaceable". This simple yet powerful statement encapsulates the immense respect and admiration she, along with countless others, held for the late actor.
Kota Srinivasa Rao, who was 83 years old, had a career spanning nearly five decades, during which he acted in over 750 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema. His ability to seamlessly transition between villainous, comedic, and emotional roles earned him widespread recognition and critical acclaim. He was honored with the Padma Shri in 2015 and received nine Nandi Awards for his outstanding contributions to Telugu cinema. Beyond his achievements in film, Kota Srinivasa Rao also served the public as a BJP MLA from Vijayawada from 1999 to 2004.
The news of Kota Srinivasa Rao's death has deeply saddened the South Indian film fraternity. Many other celebrities have also shared their condolences and memories of working with him. SS Rajamouli called him "a master of his craft, a legend who breathed life into every character he portrayed". Actor Ravi Teja, who shared screen space with Kota Srinivasa Rao in over 10 films, remembered him as family. Jr NTR acknowledged Kota Srinivasa Rao's "unparalleled acting prowess" and said that the moments he shared with him during his cinematic journey would remain unforgettable. Mahesh Babu expressed that the loss felt personal to all who grew up watching and learning from him.
Kota Srinivasa Rao's versatility was one of his greatest strengths. He could effortlessly portray menacing villains, hilarious comedians, and sympathetic characters, leaving a lasting impression on audiences. His performances were marked by his unique style, impeccable dialogue delivery, and nuanced expressions. He had an innate ability to breathe life into his characters, making them relatable and memorable.
Kota Srinivasa Rao's death is an irreplaceable loss to the film industry and to all cinema lovers. His contributions to cinema will be remembered forever. He is survived by his wife and daughters.
