New Delhi: Ramoji Rao, the renowned head of the ETV Network and Ramoji Film City, passed away today at the age of 87 while receiving treatment in Hyderabad. He was admitted to Star Hospital on June 5 due to high blood pressure and breathlessness, but unfortunately, he breathed his last in the early hours of today.
His mortal remains have been transferred to his residence at Ramoji Film City, where several distinguished political leaders and film personalities are expected to arrive today to pay their final respects.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and described the demise of Ramoji Rao as “extremely sorrowful”.
“He was a visionary who brought about a revolution in Indian media. His significant contributions have made an everlasting impact on journalism and the film industry. Through his remarkable endeavors, he set new benchmarks for innovation and excellence in the field of media and entertainment,” PM Modi stated on X.
Ramoji Rao Garu had a deep passion for the development of India. I consider myself lucky to have had numerous chances to engage with him and learn from his insights. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and the many admirers who are grieving during this challenging period. Om Shanti.
Ramoji Rao Won Two Filmfare Awards
Ramoji Rao, born in 1936, served as the head of the Ramoji Group, which possesses the largest film production facility in the world, Ramoji Film City. Additionally, he held the position of chairman for the Eenadu newspaper, a widely circulated Telugu-language daily. During the 1980s, the Eenadu newspaper group’s support was instrumental in the rise of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). Ramoji Rao maintained close relationships with former Andhra Pradesh chief ministers NT Rama Rao and Chandrababu Naidu, as well as various renowned figures from the political and film domains. Apart from his involvement with the ETV Network, he also led Ushakiran Movies, a production company. Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, as he is also known, received the National Award and two Filmfare awards for his contributions, having produced approximately 50 films and telefilms. In recognition of his remarkable achievements in journalism, literature, and education, he was bestowed with the Padma Vibhushan in 2016, the country’s second-highest civilian honor.