Hyderabad mourns the loss of Ramoji Rao, the visionary media entrepreneur and founder of ETV Network and Ramoji Film City, who died at the age of 87 while undergoing treatment at Star Hospital in Hyderabad. He was admitted on June 5 after experiencing high blood pressure and breathlessness.
Ramoji Rao’s contributions to the media and entertainment industry have left an indelible mark. He was not only the head of the ETV Network, a leading television network in India, but also the mastermind behind Ramoji Film City, the world’s largest film production facility.
His demise has brought an outpouring of condolences from prominent figures across the country. President Droupadi Murmu expressed her sorrow, describing Ramoji Rao as a “titan of the media and entertainment sector” and highlighting his pioneering ventures that reshaped the media landscape in India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to Ramoji Rao, acknowledging his visionary leadership and revolutionary contributions to Indian media. He emphasized Rao’s passion for India’s development and innovation in journalism and filmmaking.
Ramoji Rao’s legacy extends beyond his media ventures. He was known for his close associations with political leaders like former Andhra Pradesh chief ministers NT Rama Rao and Chandrababu Naidu. His support and influence were instrumental in shaping the political landscape of the region.
Born in 1936, Ramoji Rao’s journey in media and entertainment was marked by numerous achievements. He won prestigious awards, including the National Award and two Filmfare awards, for his contributions to cinema. His production company, Ushakiran Movies, produced a significant number of films and telefilms.
In recognition of his immense contributions, Ramoji Rao was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2016, India’s second-highest civilian honor, for his outstanding achievements in journalism, literature, and education.
Sources By Agencies
