Ramoji Rao Wikipedia: Early life, Age, Family, Cinema, Media

Ramoji Rao passes away

Ramoji Rao, the chairman of the Eenadu media group and founder of Ramoji Film City, is no more. He breathed his last early Saturday morning. Rao passed away while undergoing treatment at Star Hospital in Hyderabad. He was 87 at the time of his death.

Here are some details of Ramoji Rao

Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, commonly known as Ramoji Rao, is a prominent Indian media baron, film producer, and entrepreneur. He is best known for founding the world’s largest film studio complex, Ramoji Film City, and for his extensive contributions to the Indian media landscape through his company, the Ramoji Group. Rao’s influence spans across various sectors, including film production, television, journalism, and publishing.

Early life of Ramoji Rao

Ramoji Rao was born in Pedaparupudi in 1936, Ramoji Rao displayed a passion for journalism from a young age. Driven by a desire to make a mark in the media world, he embarked on his career in the 1960s. Rao’s vision became a reality in 1974 with the launch of Eenadu, a Telugu newspaper. Under his leadership, Eenadu transformed into a powerhouse of information, known for its in-depth reporting and investigative spirit. It rose to become a leading publication in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Carrying the Torch: Ch Kiran

Ramoji Rao’s eldest son, Ch Kiran, is the current head of the Eenadu group and ETV channels.  Following in his father’s footsteps, Kiran steers these media giants, ensuring they continue to deliver high-quality content and impactful journalism.

A Loss Felt Deeply: Cherukuri Suman

Ramoji Rao’s younger son, Cherukuri Suman, sadly passed away in 2012. Though details about his specific role within the Ramoji Group are limited, his absence is undoubtedly felt by the family and the organization.

The Birth of Ramoji Film City

Ramoji Rao’s most ambitious project, Ramoji Film City, was inaugurated in 1991. Spread over 1,666 acres near Hyderabad, India, it holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest film studio complex in the world. The facility offers a wide range of filming locations, from urban streets and palaces to rural villages and modern cityscapes. It includes sound stages, post-production facilities, and everything needed for filmmaking under one roof.

Contributions to Cinema and Media

Apart from Ramoji Film City, Rao’s contributions to cinema include producing several successful Telugu films through his production house, Ushakiran Movies. Some notable films produced under his banner include “Pratighatana,” “Shiva,” and “Nuvve Kavali,” which have been critically acclaimed and commercially successful.

Eenadu Television (ETV): One of India’s top television networks, ETV was founded in the 1990s and broadcasts in a number of languages with a wide variety of material, such as entertainment, news, and lifestyle shows.

Margadarsi Chit Fund: This financial services firm was founded in 1962 and is well-known in South India. It provides savings and investment options.

Ramoji Rao Awards and Recognitions

Rao has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to media, entertainment, and society. These include the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in 2016 for his exceptional and distinguished service in the field of literature and education.

Conclusion

Ramoji Rao’s journey transcends the typical rags-to-riches narrative, showcasing unwavering passion and relentless drive. From a small-town dreamer to a media mogul, Rao built a media empire, leaving an indelible mark on Indian journalism and filmmaking. Ramoji Film City symbolizes his vision, while Eenadu and ETV epitomize quality content and investigative spirit. His legacy is woven with innovation, excellence, and a deep commitment to enriching the global media landscape.