Entertainment: Veteran media personality and chairman of the Ramoji Group, Ramoji Rao, passed away at the age of 87 in a Hyderabad hospital on Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, calling Rao a visionary who revolutionized Indian media. Several celebrities, including SS Rajamouli, Kangana Ranaut, Ram Gopal Varma, and Chiranjeevi, along with numerous politicians, paid tribute to Rao’s legacy.

PM Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to honor Rao, stating, “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 excellence in the media and entertainment world.” He further added, “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.”

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

Political leaders, including former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, TDP Chief N. Chandrababu Naidu, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, and former Telangana CM K. Chandrasekhar Rao, also expressed their grief. Venkaiah Naidu highlighted Rao’s contributions to Telugu language and culture, while Revanth Reddy described his death as a significant loss to the Telugu newspaper and media industry. Chandrababu Naidu noted that Rao left an indelible impression on the lives of Telugu people, marking his death as a loss to both the state and the country.

Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi shared an emotional message, likening Rao to a mountain that never bowed to anyone. Filmmaker SS Rajamouli suggested that the best tribute to Rao would be conferring him with the Bharat Ratna. Other celebrities, including Jr NTR and Allu Arjun, also expressed their condolences, highlighting Rao’s impact on the media and cinema industries.

More about Ramoji Rao
Ramoji Rao is survived by his wife and son. He was admitted to a Hyderabad hospital on June 5 due to respiratory problems and passed away at 4:50 am on June 8. His mortal remains were moved to his residence in the renowned Ramoji Film City. Rao, who made a significant impact on the media landscape in undivided Andhra Pradesh with the Eenadu newspaper and ETV group of channels, was a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan.