Ramoji Rao, the influential head of ETV Network and Ramoji Film City, passed away at the age of 87 while undergoing treatment in Hyderabad today. He was admitted to Star Hospital on June 5 after experiencing high blood pressure and breathlessness but succumbed in the early hours today.
His body has been transferred to his residence at Ramoji Film City, where numerous prominent political leaders and film personalities are expected to pay their respects.
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
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her condolences, stating that India has “lost a titan of the media and entertainment sector.” In a post on X, she remarked, “An innovative entrepreneur, he pioneered many ventures, including the Eenadu newspaper, ETV news network, and Ramoji Film City. Honoured with Padma Vibhushan, he succeeded as his vision was essentially rooted in society. His contributions to this industry will be long remembered. My condolences to his family and well-wishers.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled Ramoji Rao’s death, calling it “extremely saddening.” On X, he wrote, “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.”
Reflecting on his personal interactions with Rao, PM Modi added, “Ramoji Rao Garu was extremely passionate about India’s development. I am fortunate to have got 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.”
Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, and former Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao, among other leaders, also expressed their condolences.
Deeply saddened by the demise of Padma Vibhushan Shri Ch. Ramoji Rao the founder & Chairman of the Eenadu group. Shri Ramoji Rao was more than an institution-builder; he was an institution in himself.
Through Eenadu, the most widely circulated Telugu newspaper, Shri Ramoji… pic.twitter.com/owFrRnOw93
— M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) June 8, 2024
Ramoji Rao, born in 1936, was the head of the Ramoji Group, which owns the world’s largest film production facility, Ramoji Film City. He also led the Eenadu newspaper, one of the largest circulated Telugu-language dailies, and the ETV Network. His support was pivotal in the rise of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in the 1980s.
Besides his contributions to media, Rao led the production company Ushakiran Movies and produced around 50 films and telefilms. He was awarded the National Award and two Filmfare Awards for his work. In 2016, he was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor, for his contributions to journalism, literature, and education.
Ramoji Rao was known for his close associations with former Andhra Pradesh chief ministers NT Rama Rao and Chandrababu Naidu, as well as numerous other political and film personalities. His death marks the end of an era in Indian media and entertainment.
