Ramoji Rao Passed Away at 88: India's Media Mogul Legacy

On the morning of June 8, 2024, the Indian media and entertainment industry lost one of its most influential figures. Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, the founder of the Eenadu Group and the visionary behind Ramoji Film City, breathed his last at 3:45 am in Hyderabad, Telangana. The 88-year-old titan was undergoing treatment at Star Hospital, where he had been on breathing support for several days.

The impact of Rao's passing is evident in the state's response. The Telangana Chief Minister's Office announced that his last rites would be performed with state honors. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, despite being in New Delhi for a Congress Working Committee meeting, directed the State Chief Secretary to make the necessary arrangements. This gesture is a testament to Rao's stature and his contributions to the state and the nation.

Born on November 16, 1936, Ramoji Rao's journey from a small town in Andhra Pradesh to the helm of a media empire is a story of vision, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit. His life and work not only shaped the face of Indian media and cinema but also touched millions of lives through his diverse business ventures.

A Media and Entertainment Empire

Ramoji Rao's business acumen was best exemplified by the Ramoji Group, a conglomerate that spans media, entertainment, hospitality, and more. At the heart of this empire is Ramoji Film City, located on the outskirts of Hyderabad. This sprawling 2,000-acre complex is not just India's largest film studio; it's also recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's largest film production facility.

Ramoji Film City is more than just a studio; it's a cinematic wonderland. It's India's only thematic holiday destination centered around cinema, attracting film crews, tourists, and cinema enthusiasts alike. The facility has been the birthplace of countless films across various Indian languages, contributing significantly to India's status as the world's largest film producer.

In the realm of media, Rao's contributions are equally monumental. In 1974, he launched Eenadu from Visakhapatnam. This Telugu daily newspaper grew to become one of the largest circulated newspapers in India, playing a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and regional politics. Rao didn't stop at print; he ventured into television with the ETV Network. With channels in eight languages - Telugu, Bangla, Marathi, Kannada, Oriya, Gujarati, Urdu, and Hindi - ETV brought diverse content to millions of homes.

His digital venture, ETV Bharat, exemplifies his forward-thinking approach. This news platform, available via app and web portal, offers content in over 13 languages, reaching audiences in 24 states. Through Eenadu and ETV, Rao didn't just inform; he empowered communities, bridged linguistic divides, and played a crucial role in India's media democratization.

A Legacy of Awards and Impact

Ramoji Rao's contributions did not go unnoticed. In 2016, he was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, for his contributions to journalism, literature, and education. This prestigious recognition underscores the breadth and depth of his impact.

In the realm of cinema, his accolades are equally impressive. He won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu (producer) in 2000 for "Nuvve Kavali." Additionally, he garnered four Filmfare Awards South and five Nandi Awards, a testament to his significant contributions to the vibrant South Indian film industry.

But perhaps Rao's greatest award is the indelible mark he left on India's media landscape. His ventures democratized information, bridged linguistic divides, and brought entertainment to millions. As India mourns his passing, it also celebrates a life that exemplified entrepreneurial spirit, cultural contribution, and public service. Ramoji Rao's legacy will continue to shape India's media, entertainment, and business landscape for generations to come.