Ramoji Film City founder Ramoji Rao passes away: Tributes pour in

Rao was 88 and was undergoing treatment for heart-related problems at Hyderabad's Star Hospital.

Eenadu & Ramoji Film City founder Ramoji Rao passed away at the age of 87 on Saturday morning in Hyderabad, Telangana.

He was undergoing treatment at the Star Hospital due to heart-related problems, where he took his last breath at 4:50 am.

Rao is survived by his wife and a son.

Condolences poured in after the news of the eminent personality's demise spread.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his demise and said, "The passing away of Shri Ramoji Rao Garu is extremely saddening. He was a visionary who revolutionised Indian media. His rich contributions have left an indelible mark on journalism and the world of films. Through his noteworthy efforts, he set new standards for innovation and excellence in the media and entertainment world."

The PM also added, "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."

In a post on X, Telangana BJP chief and party MP G Kishan Reddy also expressed his condolences and said, "Saddened by the passing of Shri Ramoji Rao garu. His remarkable contributions to Telugu media and journalism are commendable. My deepest condolences to his family members. Om Shanti."

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in a post on X, said, "My deepest condolences on the passing away of Shri Ramoji Rao Garu, renowned film maker, media entrepreneur and educationist. A recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, he was a visionary who transformed Indian media and made significant contributions to the field of cinema and journalism. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and countless admirers."

Film director, producer and screenwriter Ram Gopal Verma said, "Ramoji Rao’s death is unbelievable because he from an individual metamorphosed into an institution. The Telugu states won’t be same without his towering personality looming over the horizon. More than a man, he is a force and i find it difficult to imagine the death of a force."

Former vice president M Venkaiah Naidu took to X and said, "Deeply saddened by the demise of Padma Vibhushan Shri Ch. Ramoji Rao the founder & Chairman of the Eenadu group. Shri Ramoji Rao was more than an institution-builder; he was an institution in himself."

Union Minister Piyush Goyal expressed his condolences and said, "Deeply saddened by the demise of Shri Ramoji Rao Garu. He was a visionary who set new benchmarks of excellence in the field of journalism & film making. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. My heartfelt condolences to his family & friends in this hour of grief. Om Shanti."

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy said, "Today, the death of leader, eminent industrialist and Padma Vibhushan awardee Cherukuri Ramoji Rao has caused a great shock. He is credited with adding credibility to Telugu journalism and adding value to the Telugu industrial sector. Without Ramojirao, the Telugu press and media sector will never be able to fill the gap. Praying to God to rest his soul in peace... My deepest condolences to the family members."

President of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) took to X to pay tributes and said, "The death of the chairman of the group of companies today, Mr. Ramoji Rao, has caused a great shock. The death of Mr. Ramoji Rao, who was born in an ordinary family and achieved extraordinary achievements, caused great grief."

Telugu Superstar Chiranjeevi posted an emotional message on X saying, "Mount Meru, which does not bow to anyone... Divi Kegindi."

President Droupadi Murmu said, "With the demise of Shri Ramoji Rao, India has lost a titan of the media and entertainment sector. An innovative entrepreneur, he pioneered a number of ventures, including the Eenadu newspaper, ETV news network and Ramoji Film City. Honoured with Padma Vibhushan, he succeeded as his vision was essentially rooted in society. His contributions to this industry will be long remembered. My condolences to his family and well-wishers."

On the demise of Ramoji Rao, Film director S S Rajamouli said, "One man put up so many institutions in so many sectors...He stood as a role model to many...We can pay tribute to him by conferring him with Bharat Ratna. I request both the state govt and the central govt that he definitely deserves it."

Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar also expressed grief over the demise of veteran media personality and Ramoji group chairman Ramoji Rao.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed grief over the demise of Rao and said on X, "Saddened to know about the demise of media leader Ramoji Rao. Founder head of the Eenadu group, ETV network and a large film city, he was a torchbearer of specifically Telugu and generally the entire regional cultural-communication world."

In a post on X, Rajinikanth remembered Rao as his mentor and well-wisher and said he is 'deeply saddened' by his death. "The man who created history in Journalism, Cinema and a great kingmaker in Politics. He was my guide and inspiration in my life. May his soul rest in peace. @Ramoji_FilmCity," the veteran star wrote.

RRR star Ram Charan credited Ramoji Rao for transforming the landscape of regional media with Eenadu. "The establishment of Ramoji Film City, the world’s largest film studio, has become a landmark destination for filmmakers worldwide. Shri Ramoji Rao Garu will be remembered forever for his warm personality and remarkable contribution to the Telugu people. My deepest condolences to his family and his admirers," he added.

Jr NTR expressed his condolences and said that visionaries like Ramoji Rao are 'one in a million'. He recalled working on his debut movie 'Ninnu Choodalani' (2000), which was produced by Rao.

"A media tycoon and a giant of Indian cinema, his absence is irreparable. The news that he is no longer with us is very sad. I will never forget the memories when I was introduced to the Telugu film industry with the film 'Ninnu Choodalani'. May his soul rest in peace and convey my deepest condolences to his family," he wrote on X.

South star Allu Arjun said, "Deeply saddened by the passing of #RamojiRao Garu, a pioneer and an inspiring visionary whom I deeply respect. I feel his aura every time I shoot at #RFC. His unparalleled contributions to the media, cinema, and many other industries will never be forgotten. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his great soul rest in peace."

Actor Kajal Aggarwal said she is deeply saddened by Rao's death. "My heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time. His legacy will continue to inspire many. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti," read her post on X.

Actor Varun Tej said the demise of Ramoji Rao has left a significant void in the world of journalism and the film industry. "May his soul rest in peace," he posted.

RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale on Saturday condoled the demise of media baron Ramoji Rao, saying his contribution as a pioneer in adding unique features and practices in his chosen field will be long remembered.

In a message, Hosabale said, "Eenadu and Ramoji Film City founder Shri Ramoji Rao's demise is a great loss, especially for the field of journalism and film. His contribution as a pioneer in adding unique features and practices in his chosen field will be long remembered."

In a post on X, Stalin said, "Deeply saddened by the passing away of Padma Vibhushan Thiru. Ramoji Rao garu, the visionary founder of the Ramoji Group. His remarkable contributions to media, journalism, and the film industry have left an everlasting legacy. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and admirers during this difficult time."

Jharkhand Governor C P Radhakrishnan on Saturday condoled the death of noted media personality Ramoji Rao, saying he will continue to inspire all.

"Deeply saddened by the passing away of Ramoji Group's founder, Ramoji Rao Garu. His contributions will continue to inspire us all. This is an irreparable loss," Radhakrishnan said in a post on X.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condoled the demise of media mogul Ch Ramoji Rao and described him as a 'visionary' in the film and media sectors.

In a post on his X handle, the CM said Rao's curiosity, foresight, and determination left an indelible mark on every field he ventured into, serving as an example and inspiration to all.

"His death is a profound loss to the entire country. I join in the grief of his family and friends, paying my heartfelt tributes to his legacy," Vijayan added.

The Editors Guild of India on Saturday condoled the death of its former president Ramoji Rao. "He was a trailblazer in many ways. Besides launching the multi-edition Eenadu daily, he was the head of the Telugu news and entertainment network, ETV, and also set up the Ramoji Film City," it said in a statement.