Media baron Ramoji Rao passes away; tributes pour in

Hyderabad: Media baron and founder of Ramoji Film City Ramoji Rao passed away at Star Hospital in Hyderabad.

The 87-year-old was in a critical condition and put on ventilator support. He had severe heart-related problems for the last few days.

A media entrepreneur, and film producer, he was head of the Ramoji Group which owns the world's largest film production facility Ramoji Film City, Eenadu newspaper, ETV Network of TV channels, and film production company Usha Kiran Movies.

Ramoji Rao won four Filmfare Awards South, five Nandi Awards, and the National Film Award for his works in Telugu cinema. In 2016, he was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honor, for his contributions to journalism, literature, and education.

Ramoji Rao produced some of the best movies like Srivariki Premalekha, Kanchana Ganga, Mayuri, Pratighatana, Preminchu Pelladu, Manasu Mamata, and some of the Hindi and Kannada movies.

For the last one year, Ramoji Rao hogged headlines in the alleged Margadarsi Chit Funds scam. He and his daughter-in-law were accused in the case. Andhra Pradesh Police CID had initiated legal action against Margadarsi Chit Funds Pvt Ltd (MCFPL) over alleged irregularities, including the use of ghost subscribers to siphon off legitimate subscribers' money.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief at the death of Ramoji Rao, describing him as a visionary who revolutionised Indian media. Rao's rich contributions have left an indelible mark on journalism and the world of films, Modi said on X, adding that through his noteworthy efforts, he set new standards in 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," he said.

Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, TDP Chief N Chandrababu Naidu, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, former Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao and several other leaders condoled the death of Ramoji Rao. Venkaiah Naidu said Ramoji Rao set a new trend in every field he worked.

Ramoji Rao's service to Telugu language and culture will be remembered forever, he added. Revanth Reddy termed Ramoji Rao's death as a "great loss" to the Telugu newspaper and media industry. The CM, who is in Delhi to attend CWC meeting, directed state Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari to conduct Ramoji Rao's funeral with official honours, a CMO release said.

Chandrababu Naidu said Ramoji Rao left an indelible impression on the lives of Telugu people. Ramoji Rao's demise is a loss not just to the state but the country, he said.

Ramoji Rao set new trends and reforms in the media industry while upholding values, Kishan Reddy said.

Telugu Superstar Chiranjeevi posted an emotional message on X saying that Ramoji Rao who is like a mountain that never bowed down to anyone reached the heavenly abode.