Media baron Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, head of Ramoji Film City and ETV Network, died Saturday morning in Telangana’s Hyderabad. Rao, chairman of the Eenadu Group, was undergoing treatment at the city’s Star Hospital and took his last breath at 3:45 am. He was 87.
Rao was hospitalised on June 5, after he suffered from high blood pressure and breathlessness. He was put on ventilator support following surgery and passed away after his condition deteriorated.
His mortal remains were shifted to his residence at Ramoji Film City. Several prominent political leaders and film personalities are expected to pay their last respects to the Padma Vibhushan awardee.
Ramoji Rao successfully recovered from colon cancer a few years ago.
Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi expressed grief on Rao’s demise and called him the visionary who revolutionized Indian media.
“The passing away of Shri Ramoji Rao Garu is extremely saddening. He was a visionary who revolutionized Indian media. His rich contributions have left an indelible mark on journalism and the world of films. Through his noteworthy efforts, he set new standards for innovation and excellence in the media and entertainment world,” Modi said in a post on X.
“Ramoji Rao Garu was extremely passionate about India’s development. I am fortunate to have got several opportunities to interact with him and benefit from his wisdom. Condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers during this difficult time. Om Shanti,” he added.
Calling Rao the doyen of Telugu media, senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh expressed condolence over his death and said his passing away is a big loss for the media and film world.
“Pained by the demise of Shri Ramoji Rao Garu. He was the doyen of Telugu media who left deep imprints on the media, films and entertainment industry. His passing away is a big loss for the media and film world. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti,” Singh posted on X.
Condoling his demise, Telangana Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief and former Union Minister G Kishan Reddy remembered Rao’s remarkable contributions to Telugu media and journalism.
“Saddened by the passing of Shri Ramoji Rao Garu. His remarkable contributions to Telugu media and journalism is commendable. My deepest condolences to his family members. Om Shanti,” he said in a post on X.
Rao To Be Given State Funeral
Telangana government has decided to give an official state funeral to Rao. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has asked the Rangareddy Collector and Cyberabad Commissioner to supervise the arrangements.
In a statement on the media baron’s passing away, CM Reddy said, “Ramoji Rao added credibility to Telugu journalism, added value to Telugu industrial sector.”
About Ramoji Rao
Born on November 16, 1936, Rao was not just a media mogul but managed numerous businesses. His Ramoji Group owns Ramoji Film City, one of the largest film production facilities in the world.
He also owns Eenadu, the largest circulating Telugu newspaper, and ETV network.
Other business ventures owned by Rao include Margadarsi Chit Fund, Dolphin Group of hotels, Kalanjali shopping mall, Priya Pickles, and Mayuri Film Distributors.
In 2016, Rao was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award by then-President Pranab Mukherjee for his contributions to literature, journalism, and media.
He had also received four Filmfare Awards South, five Nandi Awards and a National Film Award for his works in Telugu cinema. He produced about 50 films and telefilms in his lifetime.
Roa was also known to have close relations with former Andhra Pradesh chief ministers NT Rama Rao and Chandrababu Naidu among several other political and film personalities.
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