Prominent media baron Cherukuri Ramoji Rao (87), founder and chairman of the Ramoji Group and a Padma Vibhushan awardee, passed away after a prolonged illness in the early hours of Saturday. He passed away while undergoing treatment at Star Hospital in Nanakramguda, Hyderabad.
Rao had been suffering from chronic illness and age-related health complications for a long time. He was admitted to the hospital on the afternoon of June 5 due to respiratory issues and high blood pressure.
“He was being treated with ventilator support and was in a critical condition. He breathed his last at the ospital in Nanakramguda at around 4:50 am. His body is being taken to his residence in Ramoji Film City on the outskirts of Hyderabad shortly,” a family member said.
He is survived by his wife, Rama Devi, and his son Cherukuri Kiran, who heads the Eenadu group of publications and ETV channels. His younger son, Cherukuri Suman, died of leukemia on September 7, 2012.
Following the news of his death, President Droupadi Murmu expressed her condolences and called him a “titan of the media and entertainment sector.”
In a post on X, she wrote: “An innovative entrepreneur, he pioneered a number of ventures, including the Eenadu newspaper, ETV news network, and Ramoji Film City. Honored 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-designate Narendra Modi acknowledged “visionary” Rao’s contributions to the field of media and offered his condolences on his passing. “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…”
About Ramoji Rao
Born on November 16, 1936, Ramoji Rao established a massive business empire, including Margadarsi Chit Funds, the Eenadu Telugu daily, the ETV network of television channels, the film production company Usha Kiran Movies, and the world’s largest film production facility – Ramoji Film City (RFC).
He also owned the Dolphin group of hotels, Kalanjali Saree Showrooms, Priya Foods, and Mayuri Film Distributors. Rao’s films under the Usha Kiran Movies banner won several state and national awards.
In 2016, he was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India, by then-President Pranab Mukherjee for his contributions to journalism, literature, and education.
