Hyderabad

Ramoji Rao, the chairman of the Eenadu media group and founder of Ramoji Film City, is no more. He breathed his last early Saturday morning.

Rao passed away while undergoing treatment at Star Hospital in Hyderabad. He was 87.

Rao's legacy is vast, encompassing numerous successful business ventures and media productions. Under his leadership, Eenadu became a major force in Telugu media.

His other business ventures include the film production house Usha Kiran Movies, the film distribution company Mayuri Film Distributors, the financial services firm Margadarsi Chit Fund, and the hotel chain Dolphin Group of Hotels. He was also the head of the ETV Network of television channels.

In 2016, he received the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India, from then-President Pranab Mukherjee.                     

Members from the Telugu film fraternity including Chiranjeevi and NTR Jr expressed condolences over the demise of media mogul Ramoji Rao.

NTR Jr took to X and penned a post in Telugu loosely translated as "Visionaries like Sri Ramoji Rao are one in a million. A media tycoon and a giant of Indian cinema, his absence is irreparable. The news that he is no longer with us is very sad. I will never forget the memories when I was introduced to the Telugu film industry with the film 'Ninnu Choodalani'. May his soul rest in peace and convey my deepest condolences to his family."

Chiranjeevi also offered his condolences.

"A great mountain that never bowed to anyone has now descended to the heavens. Om Shanti," he posted on X.

Actor Manoj Manchu posted on X, "Deeply saddened by the loss of Ramoji Rao Garu. Since I was a child, I always looked up to him. His remarkable journey and legacy inspire us all. May his soul rest in peace. Sending strength to the family and loved ones. Om Shanti Will miss you dearly sir (sic)."

Sudheer Babu's post can be read, "Deeply saddened by the loss of Cherukuri Ramoji Rao garu, a visionary in the Indian media and film industry, left an indelible mark with his pioneering ventures. My heartfelt condolences to the near and dear ones. May his soul rest in peace Om Shanthi (sic)."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supremo N Chandrababu Naidu also expressed grief over the demise of Rao.

In a post on X, PM Modi said the passing away of Ramoji Rao is extremely saddening as he highlighted the latter's contributions to journalism and the film industry.

శ్రీ రామోజీ రావుగారి మరణం ఎంతో బాధాకరం.ఆయన భారతీయ మీడియాలో విప్లవాత్మకమైన మార్పులు తీసుకొచ్చిన ఒక దార్శనికుడు.ఆయన సేవలు సినీ,పత్రికారంగాలలో చెరగని ముద్ర వేశాయి. తన అవిరళ కృషి ద్వారా, ఆయన మీడియా, వినోద ప్రపంచాలలో శ్రేష్టమైన ఆవిష్కరణలకు నూతన ప్రమాణాలను నెలకొల్పారు.

రామోజీ రావు… pic.twitter.com/1cjAFSF6xB

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 8, 2024

"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," the post mentioned.