Hyderabad: Media entrepreneur and owner of India's largest film production facility, Ramoji Film City, Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, 87, passed away on Saturday morning at a corporate hospital in Hyderabad. His family members shifted him to the hospital on June 6 after he complained of chest discomfort and breathing issues.
Despite efforts by the doctors, Ramoji Rao could not survive. He was born into an agricultural family on November 16, 1936, in a small village called Pedapaupudi in Krishna district and went on to become a powerful and influential media entrepreneur in the history of Telugu states.
He owns the largest Telugu daily in both Telangana and Andhra, Eenadu. In addition, he runs a bouquet of entertainment and news channels under the ETV brand. People refer to him as 'Kingmaker' due to his capacity to sway political parties and the government. The Narendra Modi government awarded him India's second-highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan, in 2016.
It is widely believed that his Eenadu newspaper was instrumental in taking the then newly established Telugu Desam party into the masses in the 1980s and helped its founder, the legendary actor NT Rama Rao, become the non Congress chief minister in the undivided Andhra Pradesh.
He also runs a successful Chit Funds company, Margadarsi Chit Funds Pvt Ltd. He was survived by his son, Cherukuri Kiran, and other extended family members. Ramoji Rao's younger son, Suman, died in 2012 due to lupus.
Condolences started pouring in, and the Telangana government decided to perform the last rites with state honours.
“The passing away of Shri Ramoji Rao Garu is extremely saddening. He was a visionary who revolutionised Indian media. His rich contributions have left an indelible mark on journalism and the world of film. Through his noteworthy efforts, he set new standards for innovation and excellence in the media and entertainment worlds. Ramoji Rao Garu was extremely passionate about India’s development. I am fortunate to have had several opportunities to interact with him and benefit from his wisdom. Condolences to his family, friends, and countless admirers during this difficult time. Om Shanti,” said the prime minister, Narendra Modi, in a post 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
The Telangana government decided to perform the last rites for Ramoji Rao's mortal remains with state honours.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who is in New Delhi to attend the CWC meeting, directed the state chief secretary. He issued orders through the Chief Secretary to Rangareddy Collector and Rachakonda Commissioner to supervise the arrangements for the conduct of last rites with state honours.
Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock and was saddened by the demise of Ramoji Rao. The Chief Minister said that the passing away of Ramoji Rao is a big loss to the Telugu press, media, and business sectors.
He hailed Ramoji Rao for spreading Telugu glory at the national level. The media baron Ramoji Rao is a great person who gives utmost importance to values and credibility in any sector. Ramoji Rao is a visionary who ran Eenadu as the number one news channel for more than five decades, even during challenging times, and also laid a strong foundation for the TV industry by establishing ETV, the Chief Minister said.
He recalled his meeting with Ramoji Rao at Ramoji Film City recently. Passing away of Eenadu Group Chairman is a big loss to the media and business sectors. He prayed to god that the departed soul may rest in peace and conveyed his deep sympathies to the bereaved family members, he added.