Media magnate, Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, the creator of Ramoji Film City and the chairman of the Telugu news and entertainment network ETV, passed away on Saturday morning in Hyderabad at the age of 87.
He was undergoing treatment at the Star Hospital due to heart-related problems, where he took his last breath at 4:50 am.
Rao is survived by his wife and a son.
The Padma Vibhushan recipient is known for founding the Ramoji Group, which is the owner of the renowned integrated production hub Ramoji Film City in the capital city of Telangana.
They’ve moved his mortal remains to his apartment in Film City.
STORY | Media baron Ramoji Rao no more, condolences pour in
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— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 8, 2024
November 16, 1936, was his birthday. In 1974, Rao started Eenadu, a well-known daily newspaper in Telugu. In addition, he is recognized as a producer over fifty films and telefilms.
Condolences poured in after the news of the Ramoji’s demise spread
President Droupadi Murmu sent her sympathies and referred to him as a “titan of the media and entertainment sector” after learning of his passing.
With the demise of Shri Ramoji Rao, India has lost a titan of the media and entertainment sector. An innovative entrepreneur, he pioneered a number of ventures, including the Eenadu newspaper, ETV news network and Ramoji Film City. Honoured with Padma Vibhushan, he succeeded as…
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 8, 2024
PM Narendra Modi expressed his sympathies for Rao’s loss and recognized his services to the media industry. Modi is scheduled to take the oath of office for the third time on Sunday. It is deeply saddening to learn of Shri Ramoji Rao Garu’s demise. He was a visionary who transformed Indian journalism.
India has lost one of its most influential figures in Indian cinemas. The death of Ramoji Rao took the internet by storm when he was declared dead at age 87. The veteran producer, founded popular media platforms Eenadu and Ramoji Film City, drew his last breath in Hyderabad, in the early hours of Saturday.
Renowned music producer and director MM Keeravani and RRR director SS Rajamouli paid their last respects.
Telugu star, Ram Gopal Varma got emotional and wrote, “Ramoji Rao’s death is unbelievable because he from an individual metamorphosed into an institution.
Calling Rao a “pioneering figure in the Indian media industry”, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, “My heartfelt condolences on the passing of Padma Vibhushan, Shri Ramoji Rao Garu, a pioneering figure in the Indian media industry.
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy, in his tribute credited him with “adding credibility to Telugu journalism and adding value to the Telugu industrial sector.”
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan said Rao’s curiosity, foresight, and determination left an indelible mark on every field he ventured into, serving as an example and inspiration to all.
Ramoji Rao was a recipient of several honours and awards for his contribution to Telugu cinema and media, including Padma Vibhushan (2016), National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu for ‘Nuvve Kavali’ (2000), four Filmfare Awards South and five Nandi Awards.
Ramoji Rao was a recipient of several honours and awards for his contribution to Telugu cinema and media, including Padma Vibhushan (2016), National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu for ‘Nuvve Kavali’ (2000), four Filmfare Awards South and five Nandi Awards.
Rao was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, for his contributions in journalism, literature, and education.
Ramoji Film City is a film city and tourist attraction located in Hyderabad, India. It is the largest film studio in Asia and is spread over an area of 1,700 acres.
His legacy will forever resonate in the world of journalism, entertainment, and business.
