Introduction
Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, a towering figure in Indian media and entertainment, passed away at the age of 87 while undergoing treatment in Hyderabad. The news of his demise has left a significant void in the Telugu media landscape and beyond. Rao breathed his last at 4:50 am on a Saturday morning, as confirmed by ETV Telangana, a channel under his media empire, the Ramoji Group.
Ramoji Rao’s passing marks the end of an era. Born on November 16, 1936, he was a visionary who transformed the Telugu media industry. He founded the Ramoji Group, which includes the renowned Ramoji Film City, the Eenadu newspaper, and the ETV Network, among many other ventures. His contributions to media, journalism, and entertainment have been profound and far-reaching, earning him the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in 2016.
A Pioneer in Telugu Journalism
Ramoji Rao launched Eenadu in 1974, which quickly grew to become one of the most influential Telugu language daily newspapers. The success of Eenadu set a new benchmark in regional journalism, combining rigorous reporting with a commitment to social issues and transparency. His approach to journalism was not just about reporting news but also about making a difference in society. Rao’s motto was clear: good journalism must advocate for the truth and hold those in power accountable.
Expanding the Media Empire
Beyond Eenadu, Rao’s entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of the ETV Network, a cluster of television channels that dominate the Telugu media space. Under his leadership, the network expanded to include news, entertainment, and regional programming, catering to a diverse audience across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and beyond.
Rao’s impact wasn’t confin to print and television alone. He founded Usha Kiran Movies, a production house responsible for backing over 50 films and telefilms. His involvement in the film industry extended to film distribution through Mayuri Film Distributors and film production at Ramoji Film City, a sprawling complex in Hyderabad that holds the Guinness World Record as the largest film studio complex in the world.
A Multifaceted Business Tycoon
Ramoji Rao’s business acumen was evident in his diverse portfolio. He established the Margadarsi Chit Fund, a financial services firm, and the Dolphin Group of Hotels, showcasing his ability to succeed in various industries. His ventures also included Kalanjali, a chain of shopping malls, and Priya Pickles, a popular brand in South Indian households. Each of these businesses reflected his innovative spirit and commitment to quality.
Recognitions and Tributes
Following the news of Ramoji Rao’s death, tributes poured in from various quarters. Senior BJP leader G. Kishan Reddy expressed his condolences, highlighting Rao’s remarkable contributions to Telugu media and journalism. “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,” Reddy posted on X (formerly Twitter).
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.
Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/zJzTyOMbL7
— G Kishan Reddy (Modi Ka Parivar) (@kishanreddybjp) June 8, 2024
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also paid tribute to Rao, crediting him with adding credibility to Telugu journalism and significantly impacting 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 wrote.
Finance Minister
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman echoed these sentiments, noting Rao’s legacy in the Telugu-speaking world. “Shri Ramoji Rao garu is no more. He made remarkable contributions in the field of journalism. Founder of the popular Eenadu newspaper and Film City in Hyderabad, he leaves a legacy behind in the Telugu-speaking world. Condolences,” she wrote in a post on X.
Shri Ramoji Rao garu is no more. He made remarkable contribution in the field of journalism. Founder of the popular Eenadu newspaper and Film City in Hyderabad, he leaves a legacy behind in Telugu speaking world. Condolences.
— Nirmala Sitharaman (Modi Ka Parivar) (@nsitharaman) June 8, 2024
Prime Minister
Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi, who is set to take oath for the third time, also acknowledge Rao’s visionary contributions to media. “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,” Modi stated.
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
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief and Andhra Pradesh CM-designate Chandrababu Naidu shared his deep connection with Rao, describing his death as a significant loss not just for the Telugu people but for the entire country. “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,” Naidu wrote.
Final Farewell
Ramoji Rao died while undergoing treatment at Star Hospital in Hyderabad, where he had been admitted on June 5 after suffering from high blood pressure and breathlessness. His mortal remains have been shifted to his residence at Ramoji Film City, where family, friends, and well-wishers will pay their final respects. Preparations are underway to honor his legacy with the dignity and respect befitting his monumental contributions. He died but Still alive in our Heart. “LEGEND NEVER DIE✨”
A Lasting Legacy
Ramoji Rao’s legacy is vast and multifaceted. He was a media mogul who set high standards for journalism and entertainment, a business tycoon with a diverse portfolio, and a visionary who saw the potential in regional media long before it became mainstream. His life’s work has left an indelible mark on the Telugu-speaking world and the broader Indian media landscape.
As the head of the Eenadu media group, Rao transform the way news was consume by Telugu-speaking regions. His establishment of Ramoji Film City has made Hyderabad a major hub for film production. Which attract filmmakers from across the globe. His innovative approach to media and business has inspired countless others to follow in his footsteps.
The void left by Ramoji Rao’s death will be deeply felt, but his legacy will continue to inspire and guide future generations in the fields of media, journalism, and entertainment. Ramoji Rao’s story is a testament to the power of vision, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
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