HYDERABAD: Media baron and Padma Vibhushan awardee Cherukuri Ramoji Rao passed away at a private hospital in Hyderabad in the wee hours of Saturday. He was 87. Ramoji Rao had been undergoing treatment for age-related ailments, including high blood pressure and respiratory issues, for a long time and was shifted to the hospital on June 5.
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Telangana Governor CP Radhakrishnan and Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister designate N Chandrababu Naidu, chief ministers of Tamil Nadu and Bihar MK Stalin and Nitish Kumar respectively, were among the top leaders who expressed grief.
The entire Telugu film industry too paid its respects to the late media baron. Among the many film personalities who offered their condolences at Ramoji Film City were Chiranjeevi, Pawan Kalyan, MM Keeravani, Nagarjuna, K Raghavendra Rao and Rajendra Prasad. Filmmaker SS Rajamouli said, “He single-handedly established so many institutions, bringing a lot of innovations to the industry. Whatever field he entered, he touched gold. He was a guiding light for so many artists. The only way we can pay tribute to him is by conferring Bharat Ratna.” Many film personalities like Rajnikanth, Jr NTR, Nani, Ram Charan, Nithiin and Ravi Teja took to their social media pages to express condolences. “Visionaries like Ramoji Rao gaaru are once in a million. A media tycoon and a giant of Indian cinema, his absence is irreplaceable”, wrote Jr NTR on X.
Ramoji Rao is survived by his wife Rama Devi and son Kiran Prabhakr. He was born on November 16, 1936 in Pedaparupudi village of Krishna district in Madras Presidency, which is now part of Andhra Pradesh. His younger son, Cherukuri Suman, died of leukaemia on September 7, 2012.
He headed Ramoji Group which owns the world’s largest film production facility, Ramoji Film City. He also headed Eenadu Telugu daily, one of the largest circulated newspapers, the ETV network of TV channels, film production company Usha Kiran Movies, chit fund company Margadarsi and various other business ventures.
President Droupadi Murmu said, “With the demise of Shri Ramoji Rao, India has lost a titan of the media and entertainment sector. An innovative entrepreneur, he pioneered a number of 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.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the death of Ramoji Rao describing it be "extremely saddening." He also spoke about Rao's contributions to the world of journalism and films.
“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. I am fortunate to have got 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,” Narendra Modi said.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed his shock and condoled the bereaved family. He said that the loss of Ramoji Rao is irreplaceable.