Prominent members of the Telugu film industry, including Chiranjeevi and NTR Jr, have expressed their heartfelt condolences following the demise of media mogul Ramoji Rao. Rao passed away on Saturday morning while undergoing treatment at Star Hospital in Hyderabad. He was 87.
NTR Jr took to X (formerly Twitter) to mourn Rao’s passing. He wrote in Telugu, “Visionaries like Sri Ramoji Rao are one in a million. A media tycoon and a giant of Indian cinema, his absence is irreparable. The news that he is no longer with us is very sad. I will never forget the memories when I was introduced to the Telugu film industry with the film ‘Ninnu Choodalani’. May his soul rest in peace and convey my deepest condolences to his family.”
Chiranjeevi also expressed his sorrow, stating on X, “A great mountain that never bowed to anyone has now descended to the heavens. Om Shanti.”
Actor Manoj Manchu shared his grief, posting, “Deeply saddened by the loss of Ramoji Rao Garu. Since I was a child, I always looked up to him. His remarkable journey and legacy inspire us all. May his soul rest in peace. Sending strength to the family and loved ones. Om Shanti. Will miss you dearly sir (sic).”
Sudheer Babu added his voice to the chorus of tributes, noting, “Deeply saddened by the loss of Cherukuri Ramoji Rao garu, a visionary in the Indian media and film industry, left an indelible mark with his pioneering ventures. My heartfelt condolences to the near and dear ones. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanthi (sic).”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supremo N Chandrababu Naidu also expressed their grief. In a post on X, PM Modi highlighted Rao’s contributions, saying, “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.”
N Chandrababu Naidu remarked, “The death of Ramoji Rao, who was born into an ordinary family and achieved extraordinary achievements, caused great grief. As an Akshara Yodha, Ramoji rendered many services to the Telugu states and the country. His death is a great loss not only for the Telugu people but for the country as well. His fame for working tirelessly for the welfare of society is eternal.”
Ramoji Rao’s legacy includes the establishment of the influential Eenadu newspaper, Usha Kiran Movies, Mayuri Film Distributors, Margadarsi Chit Fund, and the Dolphin Group of Hotels. He also led the ETV Network of television channels. In recognition of his immense contributions, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in 2016.
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