Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, the visionary founder of the Ramoji Group and a towering figure in the world of media and entertainment, 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.
Rao was born on November 16, 1936, and over his illustrious career, he made significant contributions to the media industry, particularly in the Telugu language domain. In 1974, he launched Eenadu, a leading Telugu daily newspaper that transformed regional journalism with its innovative approaches. Rao’s legacy also includes producing over 50 films and telefilms, cementing his role as a pivotal figure in the entertainment sector.
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Rao’s crowning achievement was the establishment of Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, a world-renowned integrated film production facility. This sprawling complex has been the backdrop for countless films and television shows, attracting filmmakers from around the globe and contributing immensely to the local economy.
Following his passing, condolences poured in from across the political spectrum. Senior BJP leader G Kishan Reddy expressed his sorrow on social media, stating, “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.“
Saddened by the passing of Shri Ramoji Rao garu.
— G Kishan Reddy (Modi Ka Parivar) (@kishanreddybjp) June 8, 2024
His remarkable contributions to Telugu media and journalism is commendable.
My deepest condolences to his family members.
Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/zJzTyOMbL7
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy paid tribute to Rao’s influence on Telugu journalism and the industrial sector. “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,” he posted.
ఈనాడు అధినేత, ప్రముఖ పారిశ్రామికవేత్త, పద్మవిభూషణ్ పురస్కార గ్రహీత చెరుకూరి రామోజీరావు గారి మరణం తీవ్ర దిగ్భ్రాంతి కలిగించింది.
— Revanth Reddy (@revanth_anumula) June 8, 2024
తెలుగు జర్నలిజానికి విశ్వసనీయత, తెలుగు పారిశ్రామిక రంగానికి విలువలు జోడించిన ఘనత ఆయనకే దక్కుతుంది.
తెలుగు పత్రికా, మీడియా రంగానికి రామోజీరావు గారు… pic.twitter.com/QEfjfOuN2E
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief and Andhra Pradesh CM-designate Chandrababu Naidu reflected on his long-standing 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,” he wrote.
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
Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi, who is set to take oath for a third term, also acknowledged Rao’s monumental impact on the media industry. “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…”
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
Rao’s mortal remains have been moved to his residence at Ramoji Film City, where family, friends, and admirers will pay their last respects. His passing marks the end of an era for Telugu media and the broader Indian entertainment industry, but his legacy will undoubtedly endure through the institutions and innovations he pioneered.
