Ramoji Rao, the chairman of the Eenadu media group and founder of Ramoji Film City, passed away early Saturday morning. He was 87 and was receiving treatment at Star Hospital in Hyderabad.
Rao’s influence in the media industry is significant, with his leadership transforming Eenadu into a leading Telugu media powerhouse. He founded the Ramoji Film City, which holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest film studio complex in the world. Spread over 1,666 acres, it has become a prominent location for film production, tourism, and entertainment.
Apart from his media ventures, Rao’s business acumen extended to various industries. He established Usha Kiran Movies, a renowned film production house, and Mayuri Film Distributors, a key player in film distribution. His entrepreneurial spirit also led to the founding of Margadarsi Chit Fund, a financial services firm that gained a substantial customer base, and the Dolphin Group of Hotels, which operates several hotels known for their hospitality.
Rao’s ETV Network, a collection of television channels, further solidified his impact on the Indian media landscape, offering diverse programming that catered to a wide audience.
Recognizing his contributions to media and industry, Rao was honored with the Padma Vibhushan in 2016, India’s second-highest civilian award, presented by then-President Pranab Mukherjee. This award highlighted his significant role in shaping the media industry and his extensive philanthropic efforts.
Rao’s death marks the end of an era for Telugu media and the various industries he influenced. His vision and business ventures have left an indelible mark on Indian media, film, and business landscapes.