SS Rajamouli rebukes fan for insensitive selfie request during late Kota Srinivasa Rao’s funeral service

A moment meant for quiet mourning turned tense when filmmaker SS Rajamouli lost his temper with a fan attempting to click a selfie during veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao’s funeral in Hyderabad. A video capturing the incident has since gone viral, sparking a larger conversation around celebrity culture and public behaviour at sensitive events.

The funeral took place on Sunday, July 13, in Filmnagar, Jubilee Hills, following the legendary actor’s passing in the early hours due to age-related health issues. Rao had recently turned 83 and was not keeping well in the days leading up to his death.

In the video, Rajamouli is seen exiting the venue when a man steps forward and tries to take a selfie with him. Initially, the director attempts to ignore the intrusion, but when the individual persists, Rajamouli firmly shrugs him off and gives him a sharp look—an unspoken reminder that the occasion called for solemnity, not selfies.

Rajamouli’s reaction has found support from many online, with viewers agreeing that the fan's behaviour was disrespectful given the somber setting.

The funeral saw several prominent members of the Telugu film fraternity in attendance. Actor Chiranjeevi, visibly emotional, paid his respects by placing flowers at the late actor’s feet and offering a silent prayer. He later took to social media to share his memories of working with Rao, describing him as an institution in himself.

Kota Srinivasa Rao’s career spanned over 750 films across Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi languages. Known for his ability to bring depth to every role—be it a comic villain, a strict father, or a principled leader—Rao was one of the most respected names in Indian cinema. He also served as a BJP MLA from Vijayawada East between 1994 and 2004. In 2015, he was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India for his contributions to the arts.

The moment with Rajamouli may have made headlines, but it’s the enduring legacy of Kota Srinivasa Rao that has left a deeper impact. His passing marks the end of an era, and the industry now grieves the loss of a true cinematic titan.