Emotional farewell: Ramoji Rao cremated with full state honors
What's the story
Ramoji Rao, the media baron and chairman of the Ramoji Group, succumbed to a prolonged illness in Hyderabad on Saturday. He was 87. His last rites were performed with full state honors at Ramoji Film City on Sunday, with his son Kiron reportedly lighting the funeral pyre. The Andhra Pradesh government declared state mourning on Sunday and Monday, during which the National flag was flown at half mast throughout the state.
Last rites
Telangana Government conducted Rao's last rites
Following Rao's death, his mortal remains were taken to his residence in Ramoji Film City. Many film personalities like filmmaker SS Rajamouli and music director MM Keeravani in Hyderabad paused their shooting schedules on Saturday to pay homage. Meanwhile, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy lauded Rao's commitment to journalism and announced that the state government would conduct his last rites with state honors.
Twitter Post
Watch: Chandrababu Naidu attended the last rites
#WATCH | Telangana: TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu attends the last rites of Eenadu & Ramoji Film City founder Ramoji Rao, in Hyderabad.
— ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2024
(Visuals source: I&PR, Government of Telangana) pic.twitter.com/x6JHDkJNaB
Legacy
Rao's legacy: Revolutionizing the news and entertainment industry
Rao was a visionary who transformed the news and entertainment industry. He was the driving force behind the Eenadu newspaper, ETV group of channels, Usha Kiran Movies, Mayuri Film Distributors, Margadarsi Chit Fund, and Dolphin Group of Hotels. His contributions were acknowledged by the Indian government with the Padma Vibhushan award in 2016. His legacy also includes Ramoji Film City, recognized as the world's largest film city by Guinness World Records.
Tributes
Film and media industry mourned Rao's passing
Prominent cinema personalities expressed their grief over Rao's demise. Rajinikanth remembered him as his mentor and well-wisher, while Chiranjeevi referred to him as a "mountain that never bowed down to anyone." Allu Arjun hailed him as a "pioneer and an inspiring visionary," and Ram Charan credited him for transforming regional media with Eenadu. Filmmaker Rajamouli suggested that Rao should be honored with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor.
Remembrance
Kerala Chief Minister commemorated Rao's contributions
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan mourned Rao's passing, praising him as a visionary in the film and media industries. Vijayan recalled how Rao had stood by Kerala during its crises, notably contributing to the post-flood reconstruction efforts. His demise has left a void in the industry that will be hard to fill, marking the end of an era of pioneering contributions to Indian media and cinema.