Chiranjeevi Looks Grief-Stricken As He Attends Kota Srinivasa Rao's Funeral, Pays Emotional Tribute (VIDEO)

Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi attended the funeral of legendary actor and former BJP MLA, Kota Srinivasa Rao, in Hyderabad, on Sunday. The veteran actor passed away in the wee hours of Sunday, and Chiranjeevi looked visibly emotional and heartbroken as he paid his respects to the late star.

In a video which has surfaced online, Chiranjeevi can be seen placing flowers near Rao's feet. He also showered his photo with flowers and prayed for the departed soul with folded hands. The megastar interacted with Rao's family and friends, and looked emotional as he stood in front of Rao's mortal remains.

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Veteran Telugu Actor Kota Srinivasa Rao Dies In Hyderabad, Two Days After His 83rd Birthday

Chiranjeevi's heartfelt note for Kota Srinivasa Rao

After the news of Rao's demise spread, Chiranjeevi took to his X handle and recalled how the two began their careers together, and said that the veteran actor's death has left a void in the Telugu film industry.

"With the film Pranam Khareedu, he and I began our cinema careers at the same time. 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," Chiranjeevi wrote.

"The void left by an actor like Sri Kota Srinivasa Rao is one that the film industry and cinephiles will never overcome. Praying for peace to his soul, I express my profound condolences to his family members, well-wishers, and fans," he added.

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About Kota Srinivasa Rao

Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away at his Hyderabad residence on Sunday, two days after his 83rd birthday. He breathed his last at his home located in Filmnagar in Jubilee Hills.

Veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao garu passed away at the age of 83. A huge loss to Telugu and Tamil cinema.. #RIPKotaSrinivasaRao pic.twitter.com/bqFDA0ySYX

— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) July 13, 2025

Rao reportedly had not been keeping well for the past few days and he died in the wee hours of Sunday due to age-related illnesses.

Besides appearing in over 750 films, Rao also served as a BJP MLA from the Vijayawada East Assembly constituency from 1994 to 2004. In 2015, he was honoured with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award.