As the Telugu film industry mourns the loss of legendary actor Kota Srinivasa Rao, his longtime friend and iconic comedy partner Babu Mohan shared a deeply personal story that reflects their unbreakable bond — both on and off the screen.
“We built our lives together, not just homes,” Babu Mohan said, recalling how he and Kota lived next door in Filmnagar. “The land where Kota’s house now stands, I paid the advance first. But when he asked for it, I gave it to him without a second thought.”
What followed was a friendship filled with affection, teasing, and unwavering support. Kota later encouraged Babu Mohan to buy the neighbouring plot — a half-built house he had once abandoned. “He told me, ‘Don’t build it too big!’ But I joked, ‘Let’s build it high enough that people have to look up!’”
Even during construction, their playful banter continued. “When I was laying the third-floor slab, he came by silently, stared, and then walked away — acting annoyed but smiling inside,” Babu Mohan recalled, eyes welling up.
Kota Srinivasa Rao and Babu Mohan became a beloved screen duo in the 1990s, delivering laughter in hits like Mamagaru. Off-screen, their friendship was just as legendary — filled with kindness, pranks, and mutual respect.
Photos and videos of Babu Mohan weeping at Kota’s passing have gone viral, moving fans across the Telugu-speaking world. “I used to tease him so much. He never got angry. He’d just smile. That was Kota,” he said, his voice breaking.
In an era of fleeting relationships, theirs stood as a symbol of loyalty and love — a friendship that now lives on in stories, memories, and the hearts of millions.