 Rao was known for his gruesome portrayals of lead antagonist roles with a touch of humor.Rao was presented with Kala Prapoorna in 1990 by Andhra University and was honored with "Natavirat" and "Chittoru Nagayya Award" in 1987.Rao was known for his villainous roles in works such as "Muthyala Muggu" (1975), "Bhakta Kannappa" (1976), "Gorantadiipam" (1978), "Manavoori Pandavulu" (1978), "Kaliyuga Ravanasurudu" (1980), "Tyagayya" (1981), Ooriki Monagadu (1981), "Gudachari No.1" (1983), "Abhilasha" (1983), "Khaidi" (1983), "Challenge" (1984), "Jaakii" (1985), "Bullet" (1985), "Athaku Yamudu Ammayiki Mogudu" (1989), "Lorry Driver" (1990), "Kondaveeti Donga" (1990), and "Gang Leader" (1991).