Ramoji Film City founder Ramoji Rao passes away at 87

HYDERABAD, NEW DELHI: Ramoji Rao, the chairman of the Eenadu media group and founder of Ramoji Film City, is no more. He breathed his last early Saturday morning. Rao passed away while undergoing treatment at Star Hospital in Hyderabad. He was 87.

Rao’s legacy is vast, encompassing numerous successful business ventures and media productions. Under his leadership, Eenadu became a major force in Telugu media.

His other business ventures include the film production house Usha Kiran Movies, the film distribution company Mayuri Film Distributors, the financial services firm Margadarsi Chit Fund, and the hotel chain Dolphin Group of Hotels. He was also the head of the ETV Network of television channels. In 2016, he received the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India, from then-President Pranab Mukherjee.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Saturday condoled the demise of Ramoji Rao. “Eenadu and Ramoji Film City founder Shri Ramoji Rao’s demise is a great loss, especially for the field of journalism and film”, said a statement issued by the RSS’s Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale.

“His contribution as a pioneer in adding unique features and practices in his chosen field will be long remembered. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and also countless admirers and pray the almighty to bestow Sadgati to the departed soul. AUM shaantiH //”, the statement posted on X added.