Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, the influential head of the ETV Network and founder of the renowned Ramoji Film City, passed away at the age of 87 in Hyderabad on Saturday morning.
Rao had been undergoing treatment for the past few days and breathed his last at 4:50 am, according to ETV Telangana, one of the Ramoji Group’s channels.
A Life of Achievements
Born on November 16, 1936, Ramoji Rao was a pioneering force in the media and entertainment industry. He founded the Ramoji Group, which includes Ramoji Film City, the world’s largest film production facility located in Hyderabad.
In 1974, he launched Eenadu, a leading Telugu language daily newspaper that played a significant role in Telugu journalism. Rao was also a prolific producer, backing around 50 films and telefilms.
His contributions to media and entertainment earned him numerous accolades, including the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor, in 2016.
Condolences from Prominent Leaders
Following the news of his passing, several prominent leaders expressed their condolences, highlighting Rao’s impact on the media and entertainment sectors.
President Droupadi Murmu
President Droupadi Murmu described Rao as a “titan of the media and entertainment sector.” In a post on X, she wrote:
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
“An innovative entrepreneur, he pioneered several ventures, including the Eenadu newspaper, ETV news network, and Ramoji Film City. Honored 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 Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged Rao’s significant contributions to Indian media and expressed his condolences.
“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. Condolences to his family, friends, and countless admirers during this difficult time. Om Shanti,” Modi wrote on X.
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… pic.twitter.com/siC7aSHUxK
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 8, 2024
Rahul Gandhi
Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also paid tribute to Rao, stating, “My heartfelt condolences on the passing of Padma Vibhushan, Shri Ramoji Rao Garu, a pioneering figure in the Indian media industry. His contributions to journalism, cinema, and entertainment have left a lasting impact and transformed the media landscape.”
My heartfelt condolences on the passing of Padma Vibhushan, Shri Ramoji Rao Garu, a pioneering figure in the Indian media industry.
His contributions to journalism, cinema, and entertainment have left a lasting impact and transformed the media landscape.
My thoughts are with… pic.twitter.com/2HQOP0rx7V
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 8, 2024
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy credited Rao with “adding credibility to Telugu journalism and adding value to the Telugu industrial sector.” He posted 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.”
ఈనాడు అధినేత, ప్రముఖ పారిశ్రామికవేత్త, పద్మవిభూషణ్ పురస్కార గ్రహీత చెరుకూరి రామోజీరావు గారి మరణం తీవ్ర దిగ్భ్రాంతి కలిగించింది.
తెలుగు జర్నలిజానికి విశ్వసనీయత, తెలుగు పారిశ్రామిక రంగానికి విలువలు జోడించిన ఘనత ఆయనకే దక్కుతుంది.
తెలుగు పత్రికా, మీడియా రంగానికి రామోజీరావు గారు… pic.twitter.com/QEfjfOuN2E
— Revanth Reddy (@revanth_anumula) June 8, 2024
Andhra Pradesh CM-Designate Chandrababu Naidu
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief and Andhra Pradesh CM-designate Chandrababu Naidu highlighted 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.”
ఈనాడు గ్రూపు సంస్థల చైర్మన్ శ్రీ రామోజీరావు అస్తమయం తీవ్ర దిగ్భ్రాంతిని కలిగించింది. ఒక సామాన్య కుటుంబంలో పుట్టి అసామాన్య విజయాలు సాధించిన శ్రీ రామోజీరావు మరణం తీవ్ర ఆవేదనకు గురి చేసింది. అక్షర యోధుడుగా శ్రీ రామోజీ తెలుగు రాష్ట్రాలకు, దేశానికి ఎన్నో సేవలు అందించారు. తెలుగు వారి… pic.twitter.com/jYHQDFJdxF
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) June 8, 2024
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan acknowledged Rao’s curiosity, foresight, and determination, noting how Rao supported Kerala during crises, including contributing to post-flood reconstruction efforts. “His death is a profound loss to the entire country. I join in the grief of his family and friends, paying my heartfelt tributes to his legacy,” Vijayan added.
I extend my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Ramoji Rao, a visionary in the film and media industries; his curiosity, foresight, and determination left an indelible mark on every field he ventured into, serving as an example and inspiration to all. Ramoji Rao played an… pic.twitter.com/nEWfEy6bYh
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) June 8, 2024
Tamil Nadu CM M. K. Stalin
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin expressed his sorrow: “Deeply saddened by the passing away of Padma Vibhushan Thiru. Ramoji Rao Garu, the visionary founder of the Ramoji Group. His remarkable contributions to media, journalism, and the film industry have left an everlasting legacy. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and admirers during this difficult time.”
Deeply saddened by the passing away of Padma Vibhushan Thiru. Ramoji Rao garu, the visionary founder of the Ramoji Group. His remarkable contributions to media, journalism, and the film industry have left an everlasting legacy. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family,… pic.twitter.com/oedBtibWFx
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) June 8, 2024
Senior BJP Leader G. Kishan Reddy
Senior BJP leader G. Kishan Reddy commented: “Saddened by the passing of Shri Ramoji Rao Garu. His remarkable contributions to Telugu media and journalism are commendable. My deepest condolences to his family members.”
Legacy and Contributions
Ramoji Rao’s impact on the media industry is vast and enduring. Besides his ventures in journalism and film production, he led the ETV Network and production company Ushakiran Movies.
His work significantly influenced the media landscape, particularly in Telugu journalism and the entertainment industry.
Ramoji Film City
Rao founded Ramoji Film City, which became the world’s largest film production facility, attracting filmmakers from around the globe. The facility is a testament to his vision and commitment to the film industry.
Eenadu Newspaper
Launched in 1974, Eenadu became one of the largest circulated Telugu-language daily newspapers, playing a crucial role in informing and shaping public opinion in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Ramoji Rao’s mortal remains have been moved to his residence at Ramoji Film City. Several political leaders, film personalities, and admirers are expected to visit to pay their last respects.
His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy in media, journalism, and entertainment will continue to inspire future generations.
Ramoji Rao’s death is a significant loss to the media and entertainment industry. His visionary leadership, innovative spirit, and substantial contributions have left an indelible mark. Many people will cherish and remember his legacy as the nation mourns his passing.
