Hyderabad, Jan 27 (IANS): Veteran Telugu actor Kota Srinivasa Rao, who was awarded the Padma Shri on the eve of Republic Day, was felicitated here Monday on the sets of a yet-untitled Telugu film by director Trivikram.

"It was a proud moment for the entire Telugu film industry. Director Trivikram threw a surprise party for Kota sir. They cut a cake and felicitated him on the sets," a source from the film's unit told IANS.

Kota was really touched by the gesture and became "teary-eyed".

He is essaying an important role in the film, which also stars Allu Arjun, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Nitya Menon and Adah Sharma.

Born in 1947, Kota, who started his acting career in theatre, made his cinematic debut in 1978 Telugu film "Pranam Khareedu".

Having started his career in brief character and comic roles, Kota went on to become one of the finest villains and supporting actor of Telugu filmdom. He is popular for speaking Telugu in different dialects flawlessly.

Having starred in over 500 films in a career spanning over three decades, he has also worked in a few films in Tamil.

Some of his best roles as a villain were in the films "Ganesh", "Gaayam" and "Chinna". As a supporting actor, he proved his mettle in films such as "Aa Naluguru" and "Pelliaina Kothalo".

Kota's other memorable films include "Ready", "Mirapakayaa" and "Krishna".

He's the recipient of six Andhra Pradesh state government Nandi awards.