Oscars 2026: Kota Srinivasa Rao Name Mentioned 'In Memoriam Segment'
16 March 2026 5:55 PM IST16 March 2026 5:55 PM IST
In the “In Memoriam segment,” the Academy paid tribute to Kota Srinivas Rao. It is their annual ritual to pay tribute to several legendary figures from Hollywood and across the globe
Kota Srinivasa Rao — DC Image
HYDERABAD: The late veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao was remembered in the 'In Memoriam' segment of the 98th Academy Awards, with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognising his contribution to Indian cinema.
The annual segment honours notable film personalities from across the world who passed away in the previous year. This year, Kota was among the select global artistes featured. Indian cinema personalities B. Saroja Devi and Manoj Kumar were also honoured. "It is an enviable honour, and he truly deserves it," said director S.V. Krishna Reddy, who collaborated with the actor in several 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," recalls Krishna Reddy.
The director said he frequently explored Kota's comic abilities despite the actor being widely known for negative roles.
"Barring the evil tantric role in Ghatothkachudu, I mostly explored his comic side. His unique expressions brought life and humour to every scene," he said.
Born in Kankipadu in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, Kota Srinivasa Rao made his film debut with Pranam Khareedu. During a career spanning over four decades, he acted in more than 750 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi cinema.
"His journey from being a bank cashier to becoming such a versatile actor is nothing short of phenomenal," Krishna Reddy said. "Though he began on stage, he soon proved his brilliance on the big screen by effortlessly portraying roles that ranged from negative to positive, from inspired to eccentric."
Krishna Reddy also recalled the actor's command over Telugu and his diction, which he said strengthened character roles in cinema.
"He was a spontaneous actor. He would walk onto the set, take 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," he added.
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," recalls Krishna Reddy.
The director said he frequently explored Kota's comic abilities despite the actor being widely known for negative roles.
"Barring the evil tantric role in Ghatothkachudu, I mostly explored his comic side. His unique expressions brought life and humour to every scene," he said.
Born in Kankipadu in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, Kota Srinivasa Rao made his film debut with Pranam Khareedu. During a career spanning over four decades, he acted in more than 750 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi cinema.
"His journey from being a bank cashier to becoming such a versatile actor is nothing short of phenomenal," Krishna Reddy said. "Though he began on stage, he soon proved his brilliance on the big screen by effortlessly portraying roles that ranged from negative to positive, from inspired to eccentric."
Krishna Reddy also recalled the actor's command over Telugu and his diction, which he said strengthened character roles in cinema.
"He was a spontaneous actor. He would walk onto the set, take 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," he added.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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