Hyderabad : Ramoji Rao, the esteemed head of the ETV Network and Ramoji Film City, passed away at the age of 87 while undergoing treatment in Hyderabad. He had been rushed to Star Hospital on June 5 due to high blood pressure and breathlessness but succumbed in the early hours today.
Rao’s remains have been transported to his residence at Ramoji Film City, where numerous prominent political leaders and film personalities are expected to pay their last respects.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her condolences, stating that India has “lost a titan of the media and entertainment sector.” She highlighted his role as an innovative entrepreneur who pioneered several 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,” President Murmu said in a post on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned his death, describing it as “extremely saddening.” He praised Rao as a visionary who revolutionized Indian media and left an indelible mark on journalism and 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,” PM Modi added on X.
Other notable figures, including former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, and former Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao, also extended their condolences.
Ramoji Rao, born in 1936, was a significant figure in the media industry, leading the Ramoji Group, which owns the world’s largest film production facility, Ramoji Film City. He also headed the Eenadu newspaper, one of the largest circulated Telugu-language dailies. In the 1980s, the rise of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) was closely linked to support from the Eenadu group.
Besides the ETV Network, Rao led the production company Ushakiran Movies and produced around 50 films and telefilms, earning a National Award and two Filmfare awards. In 2016, he was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, for his contributions to journalism, literature, and education.
Ramoji Rao’s close ties with former Andhra Pradesh chief ministers NT Rama Rao and Chandrababu Naidu, along with several prominent political and film personalities, underscored his influential role in Indian media and politics. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations in the media and entertainment industry.
