Actor Kota Srinivasa Rao Death Live Updates: Veteran Telugu actor Kota Srinivasa Rao has passed away at the age of 83 after a prolonged illness. The former BJP MLA from Vijayawada breathed his last at his Film Nagar residence in Hyderabad on Sunday morning. With over 750 films in a career spanning more than four decades, Rao was one of the respected actors in the industry.
Born on July 10, 1942 in the village of Kankipadu, Andhra Pradesh, Rao, who initially wanted to be a doctor, found himself drawn towards acting after taking part in college plays. Before entering the industry, he was a State Bank employee.
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Also Read | Veteran Telugu actor Kota Srinivasa Rao passes away
Kota Srinivasa Rao made his acting debut in 1978 with the film Pranam Khareedu. He worked across Telugu, Hindi, Kannada and Tamil movies. Some of his popular film include Aha Naa Pellanta!, Pratigatana, Khaidi Number 786, Shiva, Yamaleela, Atarintiki Daredi, Rakta Charitra, Leader, Ready, Pellaina Kothalo, Sarkar, Bommarillu, Chatrapathi, Athadu, Aa Naluguru, Malliswari, Idiot and Prudhvi Narayana.
In 2015, Rao was honoured with India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, Padma Shri, for his contribution to Indian cinema. Rao received nine Nadhi awards.
Kota Srinivasa Rao entered politics in 1999 and served as a BJP MLA from the Vijayawada East Assembly constituency till 2004. Apart from his acting and political work, he was also known for his philanthropy.
The Telugu film industry is grieving the loss of the iconic actor.
