Ramoji Rao, founder of Ramoji film City, passes away

87 year-old Ramoji Rao passed away at 3:45 am.

The founder of Ramoji Film City and head of ETV network, Ramoji Rao passed away in the wee hours today (June 8).

Ramoji Rao was undergoing treatment at
Star Hospital in Hyderabad, Telangana.

87 year-old Ramoji Rao passed away at 3:45 am.

Rao was tackling chronic illness and old age health complications since a while now. He was admitted to the hospital due to respiratory issues and high blood pressure.

“He was being treated with ventilator support and was in a critical condition. He breathed his last at Star Hospitals at Nanakramguda at around 4.50 am. His body is being taken to his residence in the Ramoji Film City on the outskirts of Hyderabad in a while,” a family member said.

Senior BJP leader G Kishan Reddy wrote on X (former Twitter): "Saddened by the passing of Shri Ramoji Rao garu. His remarkable contributions to Telugu media and journalism is commendable. My deepest condolences to his family members. Om Shanti"

Saddened by the passing of Shri Ramoji Rao garu.

His remarkable contributions to Telugu media and journalism is commendable.

My deepest condolences to his family members.

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Om Shanti pic.twitter.com/zJzTyOMbL7

— G Kishan Reddy (Modi Ka Parivar) (@kishanreddybjp) June 8, 2024

Ramoji Rao was a film producer, entrepreneur, and businessman.

He led the Ramoji Group including Ramoji Film City, which is recognised as the world's largest film production facility.

Ramoji Rao was a celebrated Indian film producer, media entrepreneur and businessman.

He has been awarded many accolades for his accomplished work including four Filmfare Awards South, five Nandi Awards and the National Film Award for his works in Telugu cinema. In 2016, Ramoji Rao was also awarded the esteemed Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honor, for his contributions in journalism, literature and education.

Ramoji Rao was born into an agricultural family in Pedaparupudi of Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India. He started as a journalist before launching his own news company. Companies owned by the Ramoji Group include Margadarsi Chit Fund, Eenadu newspaper, ETV Network, Ramadevi Public School, Priya Foods, Kalanjali, Ushakiran Movies and the Ramoji Film City near Hyderabad. He is also the chairman of Dolphin Group of Hotels in Andhra Pradesh.

Rao's legacy and impact have not only transformed Indian media but also inspired Indian journalists and filmmakers.