Media Baron Ramoji Rao passes away at 87
Media Baron Ramoji Rao passes away at 87
Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, the founder of the Ramoji Group, passed away at the age of 87 in Hyderabad on Saturday morning. Rao, who was undergoing treatment for the past few days, breathed his last at 4:50 am, according to ETV Telangana, one of the Ramoji Group channels.
Ramoji Rao was the visionary behind the Ramoji Group, which includes the famous Ramoji Film City, a prominent integrated production facility in Hyderabad. He was born on November 16, 1936, and launched the leading Telugu language daily newspaper, Eenadu, in 1974. As a producer, Rao backed 50 films and telefilms.
Following his death, President Droupadi Murmu expressed her condolences, calling him a “titan of the media and entertainment sector.” In a post on X, she wrote: “An innovative entrepreneur, he pioneered several ventures, including the Eenadu newspaper, ETV news network, and Ramoji Film City. Honoured with Padma Vibhushan, he succeeded as his vision was essentially rooted in society. His contributions to this industry will be long remembered. My condolences to his family and well-wishers.”
Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi, who is set to take oath for the third time on Sunday, acknowledged Rao’s contributions to the field of media and offered his condolences. Modi remarked: “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. Ramoji Rao Garu was extremely passionate about India’s development.”
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy credited Rao with “adding credibility to Telugu journalism and adding value to the Telugu industrial sector.” He shared on X: “Without Ramoji Rao, the Telugu press and media sector will never be able to fill the gap. Praying to God to rest his soul in peace… My deepest condolences to the family members.”
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief and Andhra Pradesh CM-designate Chandrababu Naidu also paid tribute, highlighting his long association with Rao: “His death is a great loss not only for the Telugu people… but for the country as well… He was a pinnacle in the field of media. I was associated with Sri Ramoji Rao for four decades. His way of saying good is good and bad is bad… brought me closer to him.”
Senior BJP leader G Kishan Reddy said: “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.”
Ramoji Rao’s mortal remains have been shifted to his residence at the Film City. His legacy in media, journalism, and entertainment will be remembered for years to come.
