Founder of Eenadu, Ramoji Film City, Ramoji Rao, dies at 87
HYDERABAD: The founder of Eenadu and Ramoji Film City, Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, died on Saturday morning at age 87. Ramoji Rao passed away while undergoing treatment at the Star Hospital in Hyderabad.
Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, a titan in the Telugu media, business, and entertainment industries, was the visionary behind the Margadarshi Group of Companies. He not only founded but also served as the editor-in-chief and publisher of the Telugu daily Eenadu. His leadership extended to business firms such as Margadarshi Chitfund, Priya Foods, and Kalanjali. The crowning jewel of his achievements was the establishment of the world’s largest film studio, Ramoji Film City, under the Ramoji group. In recognition of his immense contributions, the Government of India bestowed upon him the prestigious Padma Vibhushan in 2016, the country’s second-highest award.
Family background of Ramoji Rao
Ramoji Rao, born on November 16, 1936, in the village of Pedaparupudi in the Krishna district, was the son of Venkatasubbamma and Venkata Subbarao. His family roots can be traced back to Perishepalli village in Palmeru mandal, where his grandfather, Ramayya, had relocated with his family. Ramoji Rao was born just 13 days after his grandfather’s passing, and in his memory, his parents named him Ramaiah. He was the youngest of three siblings, with two elder sisters, Rajyalakshmi and Ranganayakamma.
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
Childhood, Education, and Marriage (1937–1961)
Ramoji comes from a Sri Vaishnava background. He grew up in a devout and traditional household, receiving a lot of affection as a male child. After his older sibling got married and left, he grew close to Ranganayakamma. There was a tradition of helping their mother with housework and cooking.
Ramayya chose the name ‘Ramoji Rao’ for himself when he started primary school and kept it for the rest of his life.
In 1947, Ramoji Rao started attending Purapalakonnatha School in Gudiwada when he was in the 8th grade. He finished his twelfth grade there in 1957 and then continued to study Inter and B.Sc. at Gudivada College.
On August 19th, 1961, Ramoji Rao married Ramadevi, the second daughter of Tatineni Venkata Subbaiah and Vanidevi of Penamalur. Originally named Ramanamma, Ramadevi changed her name because she didn’t like the one given by her elders. Tatineni Venkata Krishna Rao, Ramoji Rao’s wife’s younger brother, worked as a director at Margadarshi Chit Funds.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu expressed their sadness over the passing of Eenadu founder Ramoji Rao. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu shared their condolences on X and Twitter. Former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Jagan Mohan Reddy, also expressed his condolences.
Celebrities like Chiranjeevi Konidela, Rajinikanth, Jr. NTR, Rajamouli, and Ram Charan, along with other actors, politicians, and journalists, paid tribute to Ramoji Rao and offered their condolences.