Ramoji Rao, the Chairman of Ramoji Film City and ETV network and also known as Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, died in Hyderabad on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at the age of 87.
Early today morning media baron and founder of Eenadu group, Ramoji Rao passed away at a private hospital in Hyderabad.
On Friday night he was admitted to a private hospital because of certain health problems associated with age. The newspaper broke news that he died at around 4.50am.
Eenadu launched by this first-generation entrepreneur changed the face of Telugu media with its innovative news coverage and page design, followed promptly by ETV which became an entertainment channel as well as the country’s first 24-hour news channel in Telugu language.
In the later years he set up one of India’s biggest film cities – Ramoji Film City on the outskirts of Hyderabad which remains a top holiday spot and where most Indian producers come for film shootings. Mr. Rao got into filmmaking himself and produced some path-breaking films like ‘Prathighatana’ in mid-80s. He won several Nandi awards as a film producer.
Ramoji Rao was born on November 16, 1936, in Krishna district in Andhra Pradesh; he started his professional career with an Advertising agency before launching Priya Pickles which became popular among customers then soon after came the Eenadu Telugu newspaper. The English daily of their group was used as a stepping stone for many journalists during the ’90s before it was closed down.
Again PM-elect Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over loss off life by this media baron. “It is deeply saddening to hear about Shri Ramoji Rao Garu’s departure,” said PM Narendra Modi (X) who led tributes to him on social media.“He was a pioneer who transformed Indian press industry.” His works have made a lasting impact on the field of journalism and cinema. His incredible attempts led to the birth of new media innovations…” Mr. Modi once observed in 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
TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief over the death of Ramoji Rao and remembered his services to the media.
“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,”said Union Minister and Telangana BJP president G Kishan Reddy on ‘X’.
