Who was Ramoji Rao? Here's all about Eenadu and Ramoji Film City founder who passed away in Hyderabad

Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, the illustrious media tycoon and founder of Eenadu and Ramoji Film City, passed away early Saturday morning at the age of 87. He died while undergoing treatment at Star Hospital in Hyderabad, taking his last breath at 3:45 am.

A visionary leader
Ramoji Rao headed the Ramoji Group, managing a wide range of assets including the world-renowned Ramoji Film City, the largest film production facility globally. His media empire also includes the prominent Eenadu newspaper, the ETV Network of television channels, and the film production company Usha Kiran Movies.

Diverse business ventures
Beyond media, Rao's business interests spanned across various sectors. His ventures included Margadarsi Chit Fund, the Dolphin Group of hotels, Kalanjali shopping mall, Priya pickles, and Mayuri Film Distributors.

Tributes from the film fraternity
Members of the Telugu film industry expressed their condolences. NTR Jr, upon hearing the news, took to social media and praised Rao's visionary contributions to cinema and media. He recalled his introduction to the Telugu film industry through the film "Ninnu Choodalani" and expressed deep sadness over Rao's passing.


Chiranjeevi also offered his condolences, describing Rao as a "great mountain that never bowed to anyone." Actor Manoj Manchu and Sudheer Babu also shared heartfelt messages, highlighting Rao's inspiring journey and his impact on the media and film industry.


Political leaders mourn the loss
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader N Chandrababu Naidu also expressed their grief. PM Modi emphasised Rao's revolutionary contributions to Indian media and cinema, while Naidu highlighted Rao's services to the Telugu states and the country, calling his death a great loss.



Who was Ramoji Rao?
Cherukuri Ramoji Rao was born into an ordinary family and rose to extraordinary achievements. He revolutionised the Telugu media landscape with his pioneering ventures. Under his leadership, Eenadu became a major force in Telugu journalism. His other successful ventures included Usha Kiran Movies, Mayuri Film Distributors, Margadarsi Chit Fund, and the Dolphin Group of Hotels. Rao also led the ETV Network, making significant contributions to television media.

In 2016, Rao was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour, by then-President Pranab Mukherjee. His legacy is vast, encompassing numerous successful business ventures and significant media productions.

Final farewell
Ramoji Rao passed away while receiving treatment at Star Hospital in Hyderabad. His legacy continues to inspire many in the fields of media, cinema, and business. The impact of his work will be remembered and cherished for generations to come.