Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], June 8 (ANI): Ramoji Rao, the chairman of the Eenadu media group and founder of Ramoji Film City, is no more. He breathed his last early Saturday morning.
Rao passed away while undergoing treatment at Star Hospital in Hyderabad. He was 87.
Rao’s legacy is vast, encompassing numerous successful business ventures and media productions. Under his leadership, Eenadu became a major force in Telugu media.
His other business ventures include the film production house Usha Kiran Movies, the film distribution company Mayuri Film Distributors, the financial services firm Margadarsi Chit Fund, and the hotel chain Dolphin Group of Hotels. He was also the head of the ETV Network of television channels.
In 2016, he received the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India, from then-President Pranab Mukherjee.
President Murmu offers condolences on Ramoji Rao’s demise
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 8 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu offered condolences on the demise of Ramoji Rao, the chairman of the Eenadu media group and founder of Ramoji Film City, on Saturday.
The President said that with the demise of Ramoji Rao, India has lost a titan of the media and entertainment sector.
“An innovative entrepreneur, he pioneered many ventures, including the Eenadu newspaper, ETV news network and Ramoji Film City. Honoured with Padma Vibhushan, he succeeded as his vision was essentially rooted in society. His contributions to this industry will be long remembered. My condolences to his family and well-wishers,” President Murmu said in a post on X.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and former CM of Andhra Pradesh Jagan Mohan Reddy also mourned the demise of Ramoji Rao on Saturday.
Expressing grief on Rao’s demise, Stalin, in a post on X, said, “Deeply saddened by the passing away of Padma Vibhushan 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.”
CM Nitish Kumar said that Rao’s demise has caused irreplaceable damage to the media and film industry.
“Ramoji Rao is considered a major personality in the media world. He was conferred with Padma Vibushan in 2016. He has left an indelible mark in the media and film industries. He recieved National Award and Filmfare Award for his contributions to the film industry,” Kumar said in a statement.
Expressing shock, YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) chief Jagan Mohan Reddy, “Ramoji Rao’s death was shocking. He has rendered immeasurable services to the Telugu press for decades. I pray to God that his soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences to Ramoji Rao’s family.”
Telangana Governor CP Radhakrishnan said he was saddened by the news of passing of Ramoji Rao.
“A true legend, he revolutionized Indian media and cinema with his profound and extensive contributions. His extraordinary impact on journalism–both print and electronic–as well as Indian cinema, has left an indelible mark on the industry,” a press release issued by Raj Bhavan said on Saturday.
“As a pioneering media leader, his vision and dedication transformed Telugu journalism, establishing high standards of excellence and integrity. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and followers during this difficult time. May his legacy continue to inspire future generations,” the release mentioned.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also expressed grief over the demise of Ramoji Rao. “May God grant the noble soul a place in his feet and give strength to the bereaved family to bear this immense pain,” he said.
PM-designate Narendra Modi condoles demise of Ramoji Rao
New Delhi [India], June 8 (ANI): Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi condoled the demise of Ramoji Rao, the chairman of the Eenadu media group and founder of Ramoji Film City, on Saturday.
In a post on X, Modi said the passing away of Ramoji Rao is extremely saddening as he highlighted the latter’s contributions to journalism and the film industry.
“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,” the post mentioned.
“Ramoji Rao Garu was extremely passionate about India’s development. I am fortunate to have had several opportunities to interact with him and benefit from his wisdom. Condolences to his family, friends, and countless admirers during this difficult time. Om Shanti,” he added.
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supremo N Chandrababu Naidu also expressed grief over the demise of Rao.
“The death of Ramoji Rao, who was born into an ordinary family and achieved extraordinary achievements, caused great grief. As an Akshara Yodha, Ramoji rendered many services to the Telugu states and the country. His death is a great loss not only for the Telugu people but for the country as well. His fame for working tirelessly for the welfare of society is eternal,” Naidu said in a post on X.
“Ramoji had a unique era in the field of media. Overcoming many challenges and problems, the way Ramoji Rao ran the organization with values without giving up is an inspiration for everyone. In his decade-long journey, Ramoji Rao has always worked for the welfare of the people and society. He was at the pinnacle in the media industry and we are unable to digest the fact that he is no more,” he said.
Naidu called Rao an inspiration in fighting problems as he recalled their decades-long association.
“I was associated with Ramoji Rao for 4 decades. His way of saying good is good and bad is bad brought me closer to him. He is an inspiration to me in fighting problems. Ramoji’s suggestions and advice were always high in providing good policies to the people. My deepest condolences to the family members of Ramoji and the staff of the Eenadu Group of Companies on his death. I pray that Ramoji Rao’s soul rest in peace,” Naidu said.
TDP general secretary and Naidu’s son Nara Lokesh also condoled the demise of Rao.
“The demise of Ramoji Rao, the head of the Ramoji group of companies, is a great loss to the Telugu community. I pay tearful tributes to a public partisan and tireless warrior of letters. Ramojirao, who worked with commitment till the end of his life as Janahita himself, is our guide. Ramoji Rao worked with the spirit of movement for the preservation of democracy,” he said in a post on X.
Rao passed away while undergoing treatment at Star Hospital in Telangana’s Hyderabad in the early hours of Saturday. He was 87.
Rao’s legacy is vast, encompassing numerous successful business ventures and media productions. Under his leadership, Eenadu became a major force in Telugu media.
His other business ventures include the film production house Usha Kiran Movies, the film distribution company Mayuri Film Distributors, the financial services firm Margadarsi Chit Fund, and the hotel chain Dolphin Group of Hotels. He was also the head of the ETV Network of television channels.
In 2016, he received the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India, from then-President Pranab Mukherjee. (ANI)
