Legendary Media mogul Ramoji Rao passes away

Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, eminent media baron and the founder of Ramoji Rao studios, passed away in Hyderabad on Saturday morning. He was 87 years old at the time of his demise.

Ramoji Rao was also the head of Eenadu TV Network. His other film business ventures include 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.

Many Telugu film industry personalities like NTR Jr, Chiranjeevi, and Sudheer Babu among others took to their social media page to express their condolences upon Rao's demise. NTR Jr, whose debut film Ninnu Chudalani was produced by Ramoji Rao, penned on his X page, “Visionaries like Ramoji Rao gaaru are once in a million. A media tycoon and a giant of Indian cinema, his absence is irreplaceable.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi too took to his X page to pay his tribute to the Ramoji Rao Studios founder, posting, “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 excellence in the media and entertainment world.” Ramoji Rao was reportedly admitted to hospital on June 5 after a bout of low blood pressure and breathlessness.

Ramoji Rao, who produced more than 40 films, was awarded Padma Vibhushan in 2016. The Telangana government announced that it will perform the last rites of the Media Mogul with state honours.