K'town celebs mourn the demise of media mogul Ramoji Rao

Both cinema and the Indian journalism realms were dealt with shock with the news of Ramoji Group founder and chief of ETV Ramoji Rao's demise on Saturday. He was 87.

Ramoji Rao was reportedly admitted to hospital on June 5 after a bout of low blood pressure and breathlessness.

Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, who headed Eenadu TV Network, was also into film-related business ventures like the production house Usha Kiran Movies and distribution company Mayuri Film Distributors. He also owned the hotel chain Dolphin Group of Hotels and the financial services firm Margadarsi Chit Fund.

Describing him as his mentor and guide, actor Rajinikanth praised Ramoji Rao as someone who charted history in journalism and cinema, and was also a "great kingmaker" in politics.

Actor-politician Sarath Kumar reminisced the days he shot his films in the Ramoji Rao Film City, and stated that he feels his loss is irreplaceable. He expressed condolences to his family, friends and members of film fraternities.

Terming him as a visionary and innovative thinker, actor-politician Kamal Haasan said he was "deeply saddened" to learn about the demise of a "doyen of Indian media and Cinema industry." He went on to praise that the film city named after him is not just a shooting location but also a popular tourist destination.

Music director Ilaiyaraaja also condoled the demise of Ramoji Rao.

As an acknowledgement to his valuable contributions in the field of journalism, literature and education Ramoji Rao was conferred the Padma Vibhushan in 2016. The Telangana government announced that it will perform the last rites of the Media Mogul with state honours.