Hyderabad: Ch Ramoji Rao, Chairman of the Eenadu Group, passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 88. He died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Hyderabad. Ramoji Rao had been admitted to the hospital on June 5 due to breathing problems and breathed his last at 4:50 am on Saturday.
His body was shifted to his residence in Ramoji Film City, where family members, friends, and admirers gathered to pay their respects.
Born into an agricultural family in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, Ramoji Rao founded several notable enterprises, including the Margadarsi Chit Fund, Eenadu Newspaper, and ETV Network. He was also the head of the Ramoji Group, which encompasses the world’s largest film production hub, Ramoji Film City. His ventures extended to Dolphin Group of Hotels, Kalanjali Shopping Mall, Priya Achar, and Mayuri Film Distributors.
Ramoji Rao’s contributions to Telugu cinema earned him four Filmfare Awards South, five Nandi Awards, and a National Film Award. In 2016, he was awarded the Padma VibhushIndia’sia’s second-highest civilian honour for his impact on journalism, literature, and education.
The news of his death has deeply shaken the film industry, prompting the announcement of a bandh on Sunday as a mark of respect. The Council of Film Producers stated that all shootings would be halted to honour the late media mogul.
Prominent figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, and TDP Chief Chandrababu Naidu, have expressed their condolences.
“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,” PM Modi tweeted. He added that Ramoji Rao was passionate about India’s development and that he was fortunate to have interacted with him and benefited from his wisdom.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock over Ramoji Rao’s demise, describing it as a significant loss to the Telugu press, media, and business sectors. He praised Ramoji Rao for enriching the integrity of Telugu journalism and giving new direction to the media sector. He recalled his recent meeting with Ramoji Rao at Ramoji Film City and emphasised that Ramoji Rao’s passing is a substantial loss to the media and business communities. He conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul’s peace. (INN)