Telugu actor Kota Srinivasa Rao dismisses death hoax, warns trolls not to ‘play with someone’s life’

Fake death news is a nuisance. Although this can be one of the most embarrassing incidents in the world of journalism, it has happened way more than we would like to admit. Each goof-up has cost news outlets their credibility and made life hell for many celebrities.

Veteran Telugu actor Kota Srinivasa Rao became the latest victim of fake news. Rao, who was last seen in the period action film ‘Kabzaa’ recently uploaded a video where he dismissed all the rumours that claimed he had passed away.

Reports about Rao’s demise started doing the rounds on social media on March 21, and the ‘Rakta Charitra’ actor said he was “perfectly fine.”


“Namaste to all. Firstly, my hearty Ugadi wishes to all the viewers. The reason I’m talking in this video is to clarify that I’m doing absolutely fine. I came to learn that some people have put out on social media that I have passed away. I was absolutely unaware of this news and was preparing for Ugadi celebrations tomorrow when I started receiving calls from as early as 7.30 a.m.,” he revealed.

In the video, the veteran looked agitated as he advised people who spread such fake news not to play with someone’s life. The ‘Ready’ actor revealed that as he was getting ready to celebrate Ugadi (New Year’s Day), police officers arrived at his residence to inquire about his death and pay condolences. “Through this video, I’m urging people to not fall for such rumours. People shouldn’t play with someone’s life,” he said.
Rao is one of the most respected names in the Telugu film industry. In a career spanning more than four decades, he had starred in over 750 feature films. He is also the recipient of nine Nandi awards as well as a Padma Shri. He made his acting debut in the 1978 film ‘Pranam Khareedu’. In 2005, he made his Hindi film debut with the Ram Gopal Verma directorial ‘Sarkar’. He has received multiple accolades for his performance as a villain, a supporting actor, as well as a character actor.