Founder of ETV and Ramoji Film City, Ramoji Rao, Dies in Hyderabad
Media Visionary Credited with Revolutionizing Telugu Media Landscape
After a protracted illness, Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, the founder of Telugu news and entertainment network ETV and the force behind Telangana's Ramoji Film City, departed this life on Saturday morning at the age of 87 in Hyderabad.
The Ramoji Group's ETV Telangana channel reports that Rao passed away at 4:50 a.m. after receiving treatment for a few days.
Rao, who was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, is well-known for being the creator of the Ramoji Group, which is the owner of a well-known integrated production facility in the capital of Telangana. His remains have been transported to his home in Film City.
Rao, who was born on November 16, 1936, started the renowned Telugu-language daily newspaper Eenadu in 1974. Over his career, he also produced fifty films and telefilms.
Rao, who is most recognized for his work in Telugu media, has had a big impact on the Bengali cinema industry. Rao fostered intercultural cooperation at Ramoji Film City with his broad production skills. The 2003 Feluda film Bombaiyer Bomebete, directed by Sandip Ray, was produced by him.
The announcement of Rao's passing was met with sadness by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is deeply saddening to learn of Shri Ramoji Rao Garu's demise. He was a visionary who transformed Indian journalism. His significant contributions to journalism and the film industry have had a lasting impact. He stated in a statement, "With his remarkable efforts, he set new norms for creativity and brilliance in the media and entertainment sector.
Revanth Reddy, the chief minister of Telangana, also expressed sorrow over Rao's departure. "There has been a tremendous shock at the passing of renowned industrialist and Padma Vibhushan recipient Cherukuri Ramoji Rao. He is recognized for enhancing the stature of Telugu industry and lending legitimacy to Telugu journalism. The Telugu press and media industry would never be able to fill the void left by Ramoji Rao. "My deepest condolences to the family members. Praying to God to rest his soul in peace," he wrote on X.
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