Telugu actor Jr NTR has garnered admiration online after he reprimanded his fans for chanting his name at the funeral of renowned actor Kota Srinivasa Rao. The incident occurred as NTR was addressing the media while paying his respects to the late actor, demonstrating a gesture of respect that resonated with many viewers.
During the funeral, NTR spoke about Kota Srinivasa Rao’s legacy and his significant contributions to Telugu cinema. He urged attendees to celebrate Rao’s impactful body of work rather than dwelling in sorrow. However, as he concluded his remarks, some fans began chanting “Jai NTR.” In response, NTR returned to the stage and firmly directed them to chant “Jai Kota Srinivasa Rao” instead.
The actor’s response drew widespread applause from those in attendance and sparked a mix of reactions on social media. Some praised NTR for his respectful gesture, acknowledging the importance of honoring Kota Srinivasa Rao. Others criticized the fans for disrupting a solemn occasion, highlighting the need for sensitivity in such moments.
Kota Srinivasa Rao, a celebrated veteran in Telugu cinema, passed away in Hyderabad at the age of 83 due to age-related health issues. With a career spanning nearly fifty years, he starred in about 750 films across various Indian languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi. He made his debut in 1978 with “Pranam Khareedu,” which also marked the first film of fellow actor Chiranjeevi.
Throughout his illustrious career, Rao featured in numerous critically acclaimed films, such as “Pratighatana,” “Satruvu,” “Ahana Pellanta,” “Hello Brother,” “Money,” “Siva,” and “Gaayam.” His work in Hindi cinema includes a notable role alongside Amitabh Bachchan in Ram Gopal Varma’s productions.
Rao was honored with the Padma Shri award and served as a BJP MLA in Andhra Pradesh from 1999 to 2004. His passing has led to an outpouring of tributes from the film industry and political leaders, including Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, underlining his significant impact on both cinema and politics.