The last rites for industrialist and media mogul Ramoji Rao occurred on Sunday morning at the Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad. The funeral rites were held with state honours of the Telangana government.
TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu attended the last rites of Rao.
The Andhra Pradesh government designated three senior IAS officers to represent them at his funeral. Additionally, the state government declared a State mourning period on Sunday and Monday (June 9 and 10).
Rao, aged 87, passed away while receiving treatment at Star Hospital in Hyderabad, Telangana, early Saturday morning.
Prominent leaders from across the country, including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi, extended their condolences following Rao’s demise.
“When I think of Ramoji Rao Garu, I recall a multifaceted luminary whose brilliance had no parallel. He hailed from an agrarian family and went on to make a mark in diverse worlds- cinema, entertainment, media, agriculture, education and governance. But what remained common during his entire life journey was his humility and connect with the grassroots. These traits endeared him to a broad spectrum of people,” Modi said in an article written in tribute to the industrialist.
“He was a visionary who revolutionized 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,” Modi posted on X.
The passing away of Shri Ramoji Rao Garu is extremely saddening. He was a visionary who revolutionized 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… pic.twitter.com/siC7aSHUxK
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 8, 2024
“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,” he added.
Ramoji Rao’s legacy spans across numerous successful business ventures and media productions. He led Eenadu to become a significant player in Telugu media.
His diverse business portfolio included Usha Kiran Movies, a prominent film production house, Mayuri Film Distributors, a film distribution company, Margadarsi Chit Fund, a financial services firm, and Dolphin Group of Hotels, a chain of hotels. Additionally, he chaired the ETV Network, overseeing a group of television channels.
In 2016, he was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, by then-President Pranab Mukherjee.