Hyderabad: The head of Ramoji Film City and ETV network, Ramoji Rao, also known as Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, passed away while undergoing treatment in Hyderabad at the age of 87.
The media baron and film producer was reportedly moved to a private hospital in Nankramguda from his residence in Ramoji Film City after his health deteriorated on Friday afternoon, June 7.
He headed the production company Ushakiran Movies and won several National Awards and Filmfares.
He was also the chairman of Dolphin Group of Hotels.
Last rites
The Telangana government has decided to perform the last rites on the mortal remains of Ramoji Rao. chief minister Revanth Reddy, who is in New Delhi to attend the CWC meeting, directed the state chief secretary.
The chief minister issued orders through the chief secretary to the Rangareddy collector and Rachakonda commissioner to supervise the arrangements for the conduct of last rites with state honours.
Andhra Pradesh chief minister-designate and TDP supremo, Chandrababu Naidu, also expressed deep shock at the sudden demise of the media baron, Ramoji Rao. He said that born in a middle-class family, Rao has scaled several heights. He recalled the services of Rao to both the Telugu States, who is more popular as the warrior of the Fourth Estate.
“We are unable to digest that Mr Ramoji Rao, who has reached the pinnacle in the media world, is no more. He is a classic example and an inspiration in fighting for rights,” the AP CM-designate said.
Telangana BJP president G Kishan Reddy also condoled the demise of Ramoji Rao, on Saturday.
“Saddened by the passing of Ramoji Rao garu. His remarkable contributions to Telugu media and journalism is commendable. My deepest condolences to his family members. Om Shanti,” Reddy said in a post on X.
However, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin condoled the death of media mogul Ramoji Rao and hailed his contributions to journalism and film industry.
In a post on X, Stalin said: “Deeply saddened by the passing away of Padma Vibhushan Thiru. Ramoji Rao garu, the visionary founder of the Ramoji Group. His remarkable contributions to media, journalism, and the film industry have left an everlasting legacy. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and admirers during this difficult time.”
Banerjee also extended her condolences to Rao’s family members, friends and innumerable followers and remembered her personal interactions with Rao.
CM also recollected her visit to the Ramoji Rao studio on his invitation.
“Saddened to know about the demise of media leader Ramoji Rao. Founder head of the Eenadu group, ETV network and a large film city, he was a torchbearer of specifically Telugu and generally the entire regional cultural-communication world,” Banerjee posted on X.
