In the early hours of Saturday, the world witnessed the loss of one of the most influential persons in Indian cinema. Ramoji Rao, the head of ETV Network and founder of Eenadu and Ramoji Film City, was declared dead at the age of 87. The veteran producer was taken to Star Hospital in Hyderabad on June 5 due to high blood pressure and breathing difficulties. He was undergoing treatment and took his last breath at 4:50 AM, according to ETV Telangana. Continue reading to know more about the tragedy occurring.
Loss Of A Gem: Ramoji Rao
The great artist was battling serious health issues of high blood pressure and breathing difficulties. He complained of an uncomfortable health condition and was given proper treatment at the Star Hospital of Hyderabad. He was under the supervision of medical professionals for 4 days. In the early hours of Saturday, June 8 2024, the veteran producer took his last breath and was declared dead at the age of 87. The body of the artist was brought to his residence at the Film City. Upon the knowledge of this tragic incident, many other artists visited his residence to offer condolences.
Other Artists Offer Condolences
Following the news of Mr. Rao’s death, the entire Telugu film industry mourned the producer’s death. Filmmaker SS Rajamouli and Music director MM Keeravani were seen emotional while offering condolences to the founder of Ramoji Film City. Rajamouli along with his wife arrived to pay his respects. The famous Telugu actor, Jr NTR was also seen arriving at the Film City to offer tribute to the late producer.
The veteran actor of the South Cinema, Rajinikanth, expressed his pain through a tweet. The demise of the late industrialist saddens him and here’s what he wrote:
I am deeply saddened on hearing the demise of my mentor and well wisher Shri Ramoji Rao Garu. The man who created history in Journalism, Cinema and a great kingmaker in Politics. He was my guide and inspiration in my life. May his soul rest in peace. @Ramoji_FilmCity
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) June 8, 2024
Ram Gopal Varma, the Telugu fame, called Ramoji Rao a force and finds it hard to imagine the death of a force. Have a look at his tweet:
Ramoji Rao’s death is unbelievable because he from an individual metamorphosed into an institution.The telugu states won’t be same without his towering personality looming over the horizon .More than a man, he is a force and i find it difficult to imagine the death of a force 🙏 pic.twitter.com/yvVRNzikSX
— Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) June 8, 2024
Apart from the great artists in the line of media and cinema, established people from politics also expressed their grief on X. President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief and her condolences to Ramoji Rao on X and called him a “titan of the media and entertainment sector”. Here’s what she stated:
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…
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 8, 2024
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow through an emotional tweet. He acknowledged the Padma Vibhushan awardee’s contribution to the Media and Cinema. Here’s what the Prime Minister tweeted:
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… pic.twitter.com/siC7aSHUxK
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 8, 2024
Other Politicians Feel Grieved
The Chief Minister of Telangana, Revanth Reddy, posted a tweet expressing the shock he felt at the demise of the eminent industrialist. He gave the credit for the good of the media to the late Ramoji. Here’s what his tweet reads:
“Today, the death of leader, eminent industrialist and Padma Vibhushan awardee Cherukuri Ramoji Rao has caused a great shock. He is credited with adding credibility to Telugu journalism and adding value to the Telugu industrial sector. Without Ramojirao, the Telugu press and media sector will never be able to fill the gap. Praying to God to rest his soul in peace… My deepest condolences to the family members.”
ఈనాడు అధినేత, ప్రముఖ పారిశ్రామికవేత్త, పద్మవిభూషణ్ పురస్కార గ్రహీత చెరుకూరి రామోజీరావు గారి మరణం తీవ్ర దిగ్భ్రాంతి కలిగించింది.
తెలుగు జర్నలిజానికి విశ్వసనీయత, తెలుగు పారిశ్రామిక రంగానికి విలువలు జోడించిన ఘనత ఆయనకే దక్కుతుంది.
తెలుగు పత్రికా, మీడియా రంగానికి రామోజీరావు గారు… pic.twitter.com/QEfjfOuN2E
— Revanth Reddy (@revanth_anumula) June 8, 2024
Rahul Gandhi, a member of the Indian National Congress, shared a post paying his heartfelt condolences to the late awardee. Here’s what he expressed:
My heartfelt condolences on the passing of Padma Vibhushan, Shri Ramoji Rao Garu, a pioneering figure in the Indian media industry.
His contributions to journalism, cinema, and entertainment have left a lasting impact and transformed the media landscape.
My thoughts are with… pic.twitter.com/2HQOP0rx7V
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 8, 2024
Senior BJP leader, G Kishan Reddy, reposted the Prime Minister’s tweet on the demise of Ramoji Rao. He also tweeted his feelings on X. Here’s what his tweet reads:
“I am deeply saddened to know that Mr. Ramoji Rao, who was a pioneer of media and pioneered many reforms and values in the field of information, is no more. Working with commitment, discipline and perseverance.. Ramoji Rao’s demise is a huge loss to the Telugu media sector, TV industry and Telugu states. Praying to God for the peace of Ramoji Rao’s soul, I offer my deepest condolences to his family members.”
మీడియా మేరునగధీరుడిగా, సమాచార రంగంలో విలువలతో కూడిన నూతన ఒరవడులకు, ఎన్నో సంస్కరణలకు శ్రీకారం చుట్టిన మహనీయుడు శ్రీ రామోజీరావు గారు ఇక లేరని తెలిసి తీవ్ర విచారం వ్యక్తం చేస్తున్నాను.
నిబద్ధత, క్రమశిక్షణ, పట్టుదలతో పనిచేస్తూ.. ఎందరోమంది జీవితాల్లో వెలుగులు నింపిన రామోజీరావుగారి… pic.twitter.com/ck6doI8iqz
— G Kishan Reddy (Modi Ka Parivar) (@kishanreddybjp) June 8, 2024
Andhra Pradesh CM-designate and the TDP Chief, Chandrababu Naidu, also offered condolences to the late producer. His post praised the contributions of the leader and expressed his emotions. Here’s what his tweet reads:
ఈనాడు గ్రూపు సంస్థల చైర్మన్ శ్రీ రామోజీరావు అస్తమయం తీవ్ర దిగ్భ్రాంతిని కలిగించింది. ఒక సామాన్య కుటుంబంలో పుట్టి అసామాన్య విజయాలు సాధించిన శ్రీ రామోజీరావు మరణం తీవ్ర ఆవేదనకు గురి చేసింది. అక్షర యోధుడుగా శ్రీ రామోజీ తెలుగు రాష్ట్రాలకు, దేశానికి ఎన్నో సేవలు అందించారు. తెలుగు వారి… pic.twitter.com/jYHQDFJdxF
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) June 8, 2024
About The Man: Cherukuri Ramoji Rao
Cherukuri Ramoji Rao was born on November 16, 1936, in Pedaparupudi, Andhra Pradesh. He was a veteran producer, founder of media platforms Eenadu and Ramoji Film City, head of Telugu news, chairman of Margadarshi Group of Companies, and a prominent industrialist. He also took charge of overseeing businesses like Margadarsi Chit Fund, Priya Foods, and Kalanjali. Mr. Rao was honored with the second highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan in 2016 by the then-President, Pranab Mukherjee.
He belonged to a family of farmers. His parents, Venkata Subbarao, and Venkata Subbamma, named him Ramayya after his grandpa, a name he later modified to “Ramoji”. Ramoji attended Gudivada Municipal High School before receiving his B.S.C degree from Gudivada College. After completing his education, he started working in Delhi in an advertising agency.
The world of media, cinema, and also business has suffered a loss of a gem. Mr. Rao was more than just an ordinary media person. He has contributed to different genres and has always been committed to the good of the nation. The testimony to this is the second-highest civilian award he received in 2016. Ramoji Rao will always be missed.
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