He was the founder of the Ramoji Group which owns the popular production facility Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad.
Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, head of Telugu news and entertainment network ETV, passed away at 87 while undergoing treatment in Hyderabad on Saturday morning.
Rao was undergoing treatment for the past few days and breathed his last at 4.50 am, according to ETV Telangana, one of the Ramoji Group channels.
The Padma Vibhushan awardee is recognised for being the founder of the Ramoji Group which owns the famous integrated production facility in Telangana’s capital city. His mortal remains have been shifted to his residence at th Film City.
He was born on November 16, 1836. Rao launched Eenadu, a leading Telugu language daily newspaper in 1974. He is also credited for backing 50 films and telefilms as a producer.
Following the news of his death, senior BJP leader G Kishan Reddy expressed his condolences. “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,” Reddy posted on X.
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy, in a tribute, credited him with “adding credibility to Telugu journalism and adding value to the Telugu industrial sector.” Taking to X, he said: “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 the Andhra Pradesh CM-designate Chandrababu Naidu, in a post on X, spoke about his association with the Rao. “His death is a great loss not only for the Telugu people….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.
PM-designate Narendra Modi who is set to take oath for the third time on Sunday acknowledged “visionary” Rao’s contributions to the field of media and offered his condolences on his passing away. “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…”
Taaza Khabar 