Ramoji Rao passes away — The media world has lost a towering figure with the passing of Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, the founder of the Ramoji Group and the visionary behind the world’s largest film production facility, Ramoji Film City. Rao, aged 87, breathed his last at 4:50 am on Saturday morning in Hyderabad. He had been undergoing treatment for the past few days, as confirmed by ETV Telangana, one of the Ramoji Group’s channels.
Legendary Media Mogul Ramoji Rao Passes Away at 87: The End of an Era
A Pioneer in Media and Entertainment
Ramoji Rao’s contributions to media and entertainment are monumental. Born on November 16, 1936, he began his illustrious career with the launch of Eenadu in 1974, a Telugu-language daily newspaper that quickly became a leading publication. His innovative approach and unwavering commitment to quality journalism earned him widespread respect and recognition.
Rao’s vision extended beyond print media. He founded the Ramoji Group, which owns and operates a diverse portfolio of businesses, including ETV Network, a major Telugu news and entertainment network. However, his most iconic achievement is Ramoji Film City, an integrated film production facility located in Hyderabad, Telangana. Spanning over 2,000 acres, Ramoji Film City holds the Guinness World Record as the world’s largest film studio complex. It has been a hub for filmmakers from around the globe, providing state-of-the-art infrastructure and services for movie production.
A Storied Career in Film Production
In addition to his media empire, Ramoji Rao was a prolific film producer, backing more than 50 films and telefilms. His work in the film industry has left an indelible mark, contributing significantly to the growth and global recognition of Telugu cinema.
Recognition and Tributes
Ramoji Rao’s contributions to media and the arts were widely recognized. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, for his outstanding contributions to journalism and media. His passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from political leaders, media professionals, and the general public.
Senior BJP leader G Kishan Reddy expressed his sorrow, stating, “Saddened by the passing of Shri Ramoji Rao garu. His remarkable contributions to Telugu media and journalism are commendable. My deepest condolences to his family members.”
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy paid tribute to Rao’s impact on journalism, noting, “Without Ramoji Rao, the Telugu press and media sector will never be able to fill the gap. Praying to God to rest his soul in peace… My deepest condolences to the family members.”
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister-designate Chandrababu Naidu shared his personal reflections on his long association with Rao. “His death is a great loss not only for the Telugu people but for the country as well. He was a pinnacle in the field of media. I was associated with Sri Ramoji Rao for four decades. His way of saying good is good and bad is bad brought me closer to him.”
Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi, who is set to take oath for the third time on Sunday, also acknowledged Rao’s visionary contributions. “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 Garu was extremely passionate about India’s development…”
A Lasting Legacy
Ramoji Rao’s mortal remains have been moved to his residence at Ramoji Film City, where family, friends, and admirers will pay their final respects. His legacy, built on a foundation of innovation, integrity, and excellence, will continue to inspire future generations in the fields of media, journalism, and film production.
Ramoji Rao’s passing marks the end of an era, but his contributions will forever be remembered as a guiding light for the media and entertainment industries.
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FAQs about Ramoji Rao and His Legacy
1. Who was Ramoji Rao?
- Ramoji Rao was a prominent Indian media baron, the founder of the Ramoji Group, and the creator of Ramoji Film City, the world’s largest film production facility.
2. What is Ramoji Film City?
- Ramoji Film City is an integrated film studio complex located in Hyderabad, Telangana, and is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest film studio complex in the world.
3. When was Ramoji Rao born?
- Ramoji Rao was born on November 16, 1936.
4. What is the Ramoji Group?
- The Ramoji Group is a conglomerate founded by Ramoji Rao that encompasses various industries including media, film production, financial services, and hospitality.
5. What is Eenadu?
- Eenadu is a leading Telugu-language daily newspaper launched by Ramoji Rao in 1974.
6. How did Ramoji Rao contribute to the film industry?
- Ramoji Rao produced over 50 films and telefilms, and through Ramoji Film City, he provided a world-class production facility for filmmakers.
7. What awards did Ramoji Rao receive?
- Ramoji Rao was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, for his contributions to journalism and media.
8. What is ETV Network?
- ETV Network is a major Telugu news and entertainment network founded by Ramoji Rao.
9. How did Ramoji Rao impact Telugu journalism?
- Ramoji Rao revolutionized Telugu journalism with the launch of Eenadu and his dedication to quality reporting, setting new standards for media in the region.
10. When did Ramoji Rao pass away?
- Ramoji Rao passed away on June 8, 2024, at the age of 87.
11. What is the significance of Ramoji Film City?
- Ramoji Film City is significant for being a comprehensive production facility that offers all the amenities needed for film production, attracting filmmakers from around the world.
12. Where is Ramoji Film City located?
- Ramoji Film City is located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
13. How long did Ramoji Rao lead the Ramoji Group?
- Ramoji Rao led the Ramoji Group from its inception until his passing, making significant contributions over several decades.
14. What was Ramoji Rao’s philosophy towards media?
- Ramoji Rao believed in the power of truthful and impactful journalism, and he maintained high standards of integrity and innovation in all his media ventures.
15. How has Ramoji Rao influenced Indian media?
- Ramoji Rao’s innovations in print and television media, as well as his establishment of a large-scale film production facility, have significantly influenced the Indian media landscape.
16. What is Ramoji Rao’s legacy?
- Ramoji Rao’s legacy includes his pioneering work in Telugu journalism, his contributions to the film industry, and the creation of Ramoji Film City, which continues to be a major hub for film production.
17. Who are some notable figures who paid tribute to Ramoji Rao?
- Notable figures who paid tribute to Ramoji Rao include Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, and TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu.
18. What did Narendra Modi say about Ramoji Rao?
- Narendra Modi described Ramoji Rao as a visionary who revolutionized Indian media and set new standards for innovation and excellence.
19. How did Ramoji Rao support the film industry?
- Ramoji Rao supported the film industry by providing state-of-the-art facilities at Ramoji Film City and by producing numerous films and telefilms.
20. What impact did Ramoji Rao have on Telugu culture?
- Ramoji Rao had a profound impact on Telugu culture through his media ventures, which promoted Telugu language, arts, and cinema, and through his commitment to quality journalism and entertainment.