Ramoji Rao - A diverse maestro of the media and entertainment industries

The Ramoji Film City has birthed many iconic films including SS Rajamouli's famous ‘Bahubali’.

Veteran media personality and business tycoon Ramoji Rao passed away this morning (8 June) in a hospital in Hyderabad. The late media entrepreneur was suffering from chronic illness and age related health complications. He was admitted in the hospital after high blood pressure and respiratory issues started worsening.

His work has left an indelible impact on not just the media industry but also on hospitality, NBFC, food and retail store chains. His versatility and diverse business ethic make him stand out as one of the most successful and visionary businessmen.

Rao started as a journalist for small media companies in Andhra Pradesh. His journey from humble beginnings to launching his very own Telugu news company, Eenadu, is one for inspiration.

There are many firms founded by him — Eenadu newspaper, ETV bouquet of channels, the world's largest film city Ramoji Film City, Dolphin group of hotels, Margadarsi Chit Fund, film production company Ushakiran movies, Priya Foods, and others — that provide jobs to thousands and continue to impact the lives of millions in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and elsewhere.

Born on November 16, 1936 in Krishna district of coastal Andhra Pradesh, he started the Margadarsi Chit Fund in 1962 which serves customers in AP and Telangana and other states.

Rao’s accomplishments are uncountable. He served as the chairman of Editors Guild of India, the Eenadu founded by him revolutionised the newspaper industry in Andhra Pradesh and continues to be the largest circulated Telugu daily with multiple editions. Rao is also the recipient of the Padma Vibhushan for his contributions in literature and journalism. The Ramoji Film City has been recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest film city.

Eenadu became a pioneer as Ramoji Rao, renowned for his punctuality, used to ensure that the newspapers reached people’s doorsteps before sunrise.

Eenadu used simple Telugu, increased coverage of local news and special editions for each district to make its newspaper stand out. Some Telugu words coined by Eenadu have made their way into the Telugu lexicon.

Funds collected through Eenadu relief fund have helped built permanent homes and schools after natural calamities destroyed properties.

Eenadu's campaign 'to restore democracy' when TDP founder N T Rama Rao was dislodged from power in 1984 in a bloodless coup which ultimately led to NTR returning to power is a milestone in Ramoji Rao's life.

Rao founded ETV was one of the first satellite entertainment channels in Telugu after the monopoly of Doordarshan came to an end. It became very popular very quickly. The news channel expanded into Hindi, Kannada and Bengali too.

The Ramoji Film City has birthed many iconic films including SS Rajamouli's famous ‘Bahubali’. Rao’s unique style of filmmaking focusing on social themes and budgeted shoots earned him many laurels.

The Priya brand of pickles manufactured by Priya Foods is a household name in several parts of the country and also popular in foreign countries like the US.

Popular film personalities, including Oscar-winning Musician M M Keeravani and junior NTR have either been introduced or became successful with the films made by Ramoji Rao. (With PTI inputs)