‘Cinematic Genius…’: PM Modi, Leaders Across Party Lines Pay Tributes To Kota Srinivasa Rao

Last Updated:July 13, 2025, 19:00 IST

Veteran Telugu actor and former MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away at 83. PM Modi, Amit Shah, and Chandrababu Naidu expressed condolences.

Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away at 83.

From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, leaders across the party lines condoled the demise of veteran Telugu actor and former MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao on Sunday.

Rao died at the age of 83 due to prolonged illness in the early hours of Sunday, two days after his 83rd birthday, at his residence in Filmnagar in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.

PM Modi extended his condolences to the family of the veteran actor and remembered him for his “riveting" performances and social service throughout his over four-decade-long career.

" Anguished by the passing of Shri Kota Srinivas Rao Garu. He will be remembered for his cinematic brilliance and versatility. He enthralled audiences across generations with his riveting performances. He was also at the forefront of social service and worked towards empowering the poor and downtrodden. Condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti," he said in a post on X.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed sorrow over the former MLA’s demise.

“Deeply saddened by the demise of illustrious film personality Shri Kota Srinivasa Rao Garu. Admired for his phenomenal acting talent, Shri Kota Srinivasa Rao Garu made his place in people’s hearts and won honors for his devotion to uplifting the poor. He was also conferred the Padma Shri award in 2015. The enduring legacy he left behind will continue to inspire generations of actors. My thoughts are with the bereaved family, friends, and admirers. Om Shanti," he said on X.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu also condoled his death, calling it an “irreparable loss" to the Telugu film industry.

“The demise of the renowned actor Kota Srinivasa Rao, who won the affection of cinema audiences with his versatile roles, is deeply saddening. His artistic contributions to the fields of cinema and theatre over nearly four decades, and the roles he portrayed, will remain unforgettable. The numerous memorable roles he played as a villain and character artist will forever stay etched in the hearts of Telugu audiences," he said in a post on X.

Former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu arrived at the residence of Rao to pay tributes to him and offer condolences to the family.

Andhra Pradesh Governor Abdul Nazeer also mourned Rao’s death, saying the actor made a lasting impression with his stage and screen performances that touched crores of Telugu-speaking audiences worldwide.

“The demise of renowned actor Rao, who won the hearts of film audiences with his diverse roles, is deeply saddening," Nazeer said in the press release from Raj Bhavan.

YSRCP chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy also conveyed his grief, saying that Rao’s artistic legacy and impact on Telugu cinema would be remembered for generations to come.

“Rao’s versatile performances left an indelible mark in Indian cinema. I offer heartfelt condolences and pray for peace to his soul," said Reddy in the post on X.

Tripura Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu ALSO expressed deep grief and extended heartfelt condolences to the family.

“The demise of the renowned actor Kota Srinivasa Rao, who won the affection of cinema audiences with his versatile roles, is deeply saddening. His artistic contributions to the fields of cinema and theatre over nearly four decades, and the roles he portrayed, will remain unforgettable," he said.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy also expressed grief over the demise of the  veteran actor, calling it an irreplaceable loss to the film industry.

Reddy said the actor would live on in the hearts of Telugu people through the many roles he portrayed, and also offered his condolences to the bereaved family.

“Prominent actor… Kota Srinivas Rao garu’s demise has caused profound shock. To the film industry, his absence is an irreplaceable loss. Though Kota garu is no longer with us physically… through the diverse roles he portrayed… he will remain forever in the hearts of Telugu people. Praying to God that his soul finds peace… I express my deepest condolences to his family members."

Telangana Pradesh Congress Commitee (TPCC) President and MLC Mahesh Kumar Goud expresses grief over the demise of Rao. In the condolence message, Goud said that he was “deeply saddened" by the passing of legendary actor and Padma Shri awardee Kota Srinivasa Rao, who rendered remarkable service to the Telugu film industry.

“It is heartbreaking to hear that Padma Shri Kota Srinivasa Rao is no more. He acted in over 750 films across various languages and carved a unique place for himself in Indian cinema with his exceptional acting talent."

Apart from the politician, the film fraternity also expressed their grief on Rao’s death.

From Tollywood megastar Chiranjeevi to Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, many were seen offering condolences to Rao’s family. Actor Prakash Raj also visited Rao’s residence to pay his tribute to the late actor.

Film producer Allu Arvind, father of actor superstar Allu Arjun, also visited the grieving family. Speaking to the media, Arvind said, “Kota Srinivasa Rao was very close to our family…. I always looked forward to spending time with him because he was such a jovial person. His loss is a loss to our family. I wish and pray that his soul rest in peace."

Chiranjeevi called him a “multifaceted genius" and shared a long note on X remembering his strong screen presence and the “void" his death has left behind.

Shobhit Gupta

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben...Read More

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben...

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