There was unfortunate news about media mogul Cherukuri Ramoji Rao who founded Ramoji Film City and the ETV Network deceased in Hyderabad on June 8. Here he was, 87 years old.
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
Rao was undergoing treatment at Star Hospital and took his last breath at 3.45 am, as per news agency ANI. It took me back to the days of the I&B ministry and was shocked to know about Rao’s ill health, though he breathed his last now which is the end of an era in Indian media and entertainment.
Legacy in Media and Entertainment
Ramoji Rao was once a giant in the Media Industry. His Ramoji Group consists of Eenadu which is the largest circulating Telugu Newspaper that has become a part of many families. ETV network which he runs has several channels that are popular for Telugu television.
These stand as Rao’s contributions to the film industry. But Ramoji Film City, one of the world’s largest integrated film production cities, is the greatest testimony of his ambition and commitment to filmmaking. The location is among the scenes that have been used in so many movies and is still ideal for shooting movies from different parts of the world.
Contributions During the COVID-19 Pandemic
In the wake of COVID-19 in the year 2020 Ramoji Rao invested a Whooping amount of Rs. 10 crore in the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Chief Ministers’ Relief funds. His beneficence also gave a boost to the causes involved in the relief operations and proved that social justice was dear to him.
Recognition and Awards
For his great service to the world of literature, journalism, and media, Ramoji Rao was honored with Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award conferred by President Pranab Mukherjee in the year 2016. This award highlighted the changes that he created in the media sector and made people realize what a modern journalist really is.
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
Other Ventures and Achievements
Besides media and films, Ramoji Rao was passionate about business and ventures in different sectors. Some of the business portfolios of the Ramoji Group are Margadarsi Chit Fund, Ramadevi School – Hyderabad, Priya Foods – India, Kalanjali Art for Sale, Ushakiran Movies – India. Rao was not only involved in the Dolphin Group of Hotels in Andhra Pradesh but he was also the chairman of this group.
In his career span in Telugu cinema, Rao has received several awards in his pocket including four Filmfare South awards, five Nandi awards, and a national award.
The death of founder and chairman, Ramoji Rao, is a major loss to both the media and entertainment sectors. Many generations of journalists, filmmakers, and entrepreneurs introduced their ideas into the world under the guidance of this man, who constantly inspired them with his visionary foresight. It may be stated that his contributions will not only be cherished but will have further impacts on the development of Indian media and cinematic environment in the future.