Ramoji Rao, Founder of Ramoji Film City, Passes Away

Ramoji Rao, Ramoji Film City Founder, Passes Away; PM Modi, Jr NTR, and Others Pay Tribute

Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, the esteemed Indian media baron, has passed away. The founder of the renowned Ramoji Film City died at 87 in Hyderabad, Telangana, on Saturday, June 8.

Rao took his last breath at Star Hospital in Hyderabad at 4:50 AM, where he was reportedly receiving treatment for a heart-related ailment.

Honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, for his significant contributions to the media and entertainment industry, Rao was a towering figure. Besides establishing Ramoji Film City, he was the head of the Telugu news and entertainment network ETV.

Rao’s mortal remains have been moved to his residence in Ramoji Film City.

Born on November 16, 1936, Rao was a businessman, producer, and media tycoon. He led the Ramoji Group, overseeing various business ventures such as Eenadu, a Telugu-language daily newspaper, ETV TV channels, Ramoji Film City, and the production house Usha Kiran Movies. In addition to his media enterprises, he owned Ramadevi Public School, Dolphin Group of Hotels, and Margadarsi Chit Fund, among others.

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Tributes for Ramoji Rao

Several notable figures, including politicians and South Indian celebrities like Jr NTR and Chiranjeevi, paid tribute to Rao.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating, “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,” in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter).

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

RRR actor Jr NTR paid tribute, writing on X, “Visionaries like Sri Ramoji Rao are one in a million. A media tycoon and a giant of Indian cinema, his absence is irreparable. The news that he is no longer with us is very sad. I will never forget the memories when I was introduced to the Telugu film industry with the film ‘Ninnu Choodalani.’ May his soul rest in peace and convey my deepest condolences to his family.”

శ్రీ రామోజీ రావు గారు లాంటి దార్శనీకులు నూటికో కోటికో ఒకరు. మీడియా సామ్రాజ్యాధినేత మరియూ భారతీయ సినిమా దిగ్గజం అయినటువంటి ఆయన లేని లోటు ఎప్పటికీ పూడ్చలేనటువంటిది. ఆయన మన మధ్యన ఇక లేరు అనే వార్త చాలా బాధాకరం.

‘నిన్ను చూడాలని’ చిత్రంతో నన్ను తెలుగు సినీ పరిశ్రమకి పరిచయం… pic.twitter.com/ly5qy3nVUm

— Jr NTR (@tarak9999) June 8, 2024

Actor Chiranjeevi shared a picture of Rao, writing, “Mount Meru, which does not bow to anyone… Divi Kegindi.”

ఎవ్వరికీ తలవంచని మేరు పర్వతం ..
దివి కేగింది 🙏💔

🙏 ఓం శాంతి 🙏 pic.twitter.com/a8H8t9Tzvf

— Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) June 8, 2024

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also expressed his condolences, stating, “The death of eminent industrialist and Padma Vibhushan awardee Cherukuri Ramoji Rao has caused a great shock. He is credited with adding credibility to Telugu journalism and value to the Telugu 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 on X.

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