Ramoji Rao died today, June 8, while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Hyderabad, Telangana. Rao, 87, suffered from high blood pressure and breathlessness on June 5 and was undergoing the treatment. He was the founder of Ramoji Group, which owns the world's largest film production facility Ramoji Film City, Eenadu newspaper, ETV Network of TV channels, and film production company Usha Kiran Movies.

Who was Ramoji Rao?

Cherukuri Ramoji Rao was born to an agricultural family on November 16, 1936, in Pedaparupudi of Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh. His legacy is vast, encompassing numerous successful business ventures and media productions. Under his leadership, Eenadu became a major force in Telugu media. Apart from the media companies, his other business ventures include Margadarsi Chit Fund, Dolphin Group of hotels, Kalanjali shopping mall, Priya Pickles, and Mayuri Film Distributors.

In 2016, Rao was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, presented by then-President Pranab Mukherjee for his contributions to journalism, literature and education.

Movies produced by Ramoji Rao?

Ramoji Rao started his career in the entertainment world by producing the 1984 movie Srivariki Premalekha. Since then, he produced numerous hit movies, such as Nuvve Kavali, Kanchana Ganga, Pratighatana, Teja, Tujhe Meri Kasam and Dr. Munshir Diary.

Meanwhile, his mortal remains have been taken to his residence in Ramoji Film City. He is survived by his wife, Rama Devi, and elder son, Ch Kiran, who is heading the Eenadu group of publications and ETV channels. His younger son, Cherukuri Suman, died of leukaemia on September 7, 2012.