Veteran Telugu film actor and former BJP MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away at the age of 83 in the early hours of Sunday, just two days after celebrating his birthday. He breathed his last at his residence in Film nagar, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, after battling prolonged illness.“We have truly lost one of the greatest actors in Telugu cinema. He was a multifaceted performer whose range was phenomenal,” says seasoned filmmaker S V Krishna Reddy, who worked with Kota Srinivasa Rao on over ten films including Rajendrudu Gajendrudu, Mayalodu, Vinodam, Yamaleela, and Ahvanam.“He featured in most of my films; I even lost count after a point. His discipline, dedication to his craft, and his comic timing were exceptional. Truly, he was an actor par excellence,” adds Reddy, who fondly recalls tapping into Kota’s remarkable comic talent despite his ability to portray darker shades. “Barring the evil tantric role in Ghatothkachudu, I mostly explored his comic side. His unique expressions brought life and humor to every scene,” he notes.Born in Kankipadu, Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, Kota Srinivasa Rao made his film debut with Pranam Khareedu in 1978. Over a prolific career spanning more than four decades, he acted in over 750 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi, becoming renowned for his versatility in both villainous and character roles.“His journey from being a bank cashier to becoming such a versatile actor is nothing short of phenomenal. Though he started on stage, he proved his magic on the big screen by effortlessly portraying roles that ranged from negative to positive, from inspired to eccentric,” Reddy remarks.The director also highlighted Kota’s love for the Telugu language and his impeccable diction, which elevated the quality of character roles in cinema. “He was a spontaneous actor. He would walk onto the set, get the scene paper, and transform into the character right before the camera—without any homework, rehearsals, or guidance. That kind of mastery is something the industry will miss for a very long time,” Reddy says.Though Kota Srinivasa Rao rarely offered advice, Reddy feels today’s actors can learn one vital lesson from him: “Young actors should take inspiration from his work discipline and sheer passion for acting. That dedication allowed him to work with numerous directors across Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi, and to carve a niche where even his co-actors had to raise their game to keep up,” Reddy reflects.Kota Srinivasa Rao’s illustrious career includes memorable performances in films like Aha Naa Pellanta!, Pratighatana, Khaidi Number 786, and Shiva. He was honored with nine Nandi Awards and received the Padma Shri in 2015 for his immense contribution to Indian cinema.“His legacy will continue to inspire generations of actors, but there can truly never be another Kota Srinivasa Rao,” concludes S V Krishna Reddy.
Source link
