New Delhi: Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, the head of Telugu news and entertainment network ETV and founder of Ramoji Film City, passed away at 87 in Hyderabad on Saturday morning.
Rao was undergoing treatment for the past few days and breathed his last at 4.50 am, according to ETV Telangana, one of the Ramoji Group channels.
The Padma Vibhushan awardee is recognised for being the founder of the Ramoji Group which owns the famous integrated production facility Ramoji Film City in Telangana’s capital city. His mortal remains have been shifted to his residence at the Film City, The Indian Express reported.
He was born on November 16, 1936. Rao launched Eenadu, a leading Telugu language daily newspaper in 1974. He is also credited for backing 50 films and telefilms as a producer.
PM-designate Narendra Modi acknowledged “visionary” Rao’s contributions to the field of media and offered his condolences on his passing away. “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…”
#WATCH | Hyderabad, Telangana: Film director S. S. Rajamouli, Composer MM Keeravani and others pay last respects to Eenadu & Ramoji Film City founder Ramoji Rao at the Film City.
(Video Source: ETV) pic.twitter.com/VHAVmmrPup
— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2024
