Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, the visionary media baron and Padma Vibhushan awardee, passed away in the early hours of Saturday at the age of 87. Rao, the founder of the Ramoji Group, was a towering figure in the Telugu media landscape, leaving an indelible mark on Indian journalism and cinema. The Telangana government, under the direction of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, has overseen the arrangements for the final rites of media mogul Cherukuri Ramoji Rao. The Chief Minister, while in Delhi for CWC meetings, instructed the Chief Secretary to direct the Rangareddy Collector and Cyberabad Commissioner to supervise the arrangements.

Ramoji Rao's body was laid to rest at the head office of the Ramoji Group in Film City. Visitation is currently not permitted, but arrangements are being made to allow public access as soon as possible.

Ramoji Rao, who had been battling chronic illness and age-related health complications for a while, was admitted to Star Hospitals in Hyderabad on June 5th after experiencing respiratory issues and high blood pressure. He passed away at around 4:50 am, leaving behind his wife Rama Devi and son Ch Kiran, who heads the Eenadu group of publications and ETV channels. His younger son, Cherukuri Suman, sadly passed away in 2012.

His passing has been met with an outpouring of grief and respect from across the nation, with condolences pouring in from prominent figures in the entertainment and political spheres.

Celebrities Pay Tribute:

Junior NTR: "The absence of media tycoon and Indian cinema giant Ramoji Rao is irreparable. It is very painful to think that he is no longer with us. I will never forget the memories of introducing myself to the film industry with the movie 'Ninnu Chhadani'. May his soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family members."

Chiranjeevi: "Mount Meru, which does not bow to anyone, has fallen. Om Shanti."

Prithvi: "Ramoji Rao’s passing is very painful. I worked in their company for 9 years in the Bhagavatam serial on ETV. He was a great man who gave many technicians a chance and saved their lives. May his soul rest in peace. My deepest sympathies to his family members."

MM Keeravani "My wife used to say that if a man lives, he should live like Ramoji Rao for one day. When I went to meet him, he said I should bring an Oscar. His words inspired me greatly. May his soul rest in peace."

Nara Rohith: "Waking up to such heartbreaking news is devastating. The pride of the Telugu community, the legend of Telugu media, Sri Ramoji Rao garu, is no more. His inspirational journey and towering presence have left an indelible mark on our hearts. The loss feels immeasurable, and his absence will be deeply felt."

Meher Ramesh: "Eenadu newspaper founder & chairman Media Legend #Ramojirao garu is no more. He established Margadarsi Chits, Priya Foods, ETV Network, Ushakiron Movies, and Ramoji Film City, providing great employment. Rest in Peace, sir."

Political Leaders Offer Condolences:

Kishan Reddy (Telangana BJP State President): "Saddened by the passing of Shri Ramoji Rao garu. His remarkable contributions to Telugu media and journalism are commendable. My deepest condolences to his family members. Om Shanti."

YS Chowdary (BJP MLA): "Shri Ch Ramoji Rao Garu, a towering figure in Indian media and the Chairman of the Eenadu Group, has passed away this morning. His invaluable contributions to the nation, particularly to the Telugu-speaking community, have left an indelible mark. The void created by his departure is profound and will be difficult to fill. May his soul rest in peace."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi: "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. Condolences to his family, friends, and countless admirers during this difficult time. Om Shanti."

Revanth Reddy (Chief Minister of Telangana): "The death of leader, eminent industrialist, and Padma Vibhushan awardee Cherukuri Ramoji Rao has caused great shock. He added credibility to Telugu journalism and value to the Telugu industrial sector. The Telugu press and media sector will never be able to fill the gap left by his absence. My deepest condolences to his family members."

Pawan Kalyan (Janasena chief): "The news of Padma Vibhushan Ramoji Rao's death is very sad. This is a huge loss for the media sector. He did a lot of work by building Ramoji Film City to bring global recognition to the Indian film industry."

Nara Chandrababu Naidu (TDP chief): "The death of Ramoji Rao, who was born in an ordinary family and achieved extraordinary feats, left me deeply saddened. He tirelessly worked for the welfare of society and was hailed as immortal. His death is not only a loss for the state but also for the country."

Nandamuri Balakrishna (Hindupur MLA): "Ramoji Rao emerged as the uncrowned king of Telugu press. He created a new trend in Telugu journalism and became a guide for future press representatives. His association with our father Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao was special. May his soul rest in peace."

Other Notable Figures:

Manchu Vishnu: "Deeply saddened by the passing of Ramoji Rao garu. Every meeting with him was a profound life-learning lesson. His wisdom, courage, and righteousness left an indelible mark on me. His legacy will forever inspire us. My heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace."

Gopichand Malineni: "Even if you leave this world, you will remain forever in our hearts in the form of today Om Shanti Rest in peace legend ramojirao garu" Kalyan Ram: "Shri Ramoji Rao's services to the Indian media and film industry will be written in golden letters in the annals of history. I pray for his soul to rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family."

KS.Ramarao: "The news of Mr. Ramoji Rao's passing away is heartbreaking...a great loss to the country...to the press...to the film industry...my deepest condolences to his family."

Ramoji Rao's legacy as a pioneer in Telugu media and cinema will continue to inspire generations to come. His vision and relentless drive transformed the media landscape, leaving an enduring mark on Indian culture.

శ్రీ రామోజీ రావు గారు లాంటి దార్శనీకులు నూటికో కోటికో ఒకరు. మీడియా సామ్రాజ్యాధినేత మరియూ భారతీయ సినిమా దిగ్గజం అయినటువంటి ఆయన లేని లోటు ఎప్పటికీ పూడ్చలేనటువంటిది. ఆయన మన మధ్యన ఇక లేరు అనే వార్త చాలా బాధాకరం.

‘నిన్ను చూడాలని’ చిత్రంతో నన్ను తెలుగు సినీ పరిశ్రమకి పరిచయం… pic.twitter.com/ly5qy3nVUm

— Jr NTR (@tarak9999) June 8, 2024

ఎవ్వరికీ తలవంచని మేరు పర్వతం ..
దివి కేగింది 🙏💔

🙏 ఓం శాంతి 🙏 pic.twitter.com/a8H8t9Tzvf

— Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) June 8, 2024

బహుముఖ ప్రజ్ఞాశాలి శ్రీ రామోజీ రావు గారు - JanaSena Chief Shri @PawanKalyan #RamojiRao pic.twitter.com/SMgT991MBQ

— JanaSena Party (@JanaSenaParty) June 8, 2024

ఈనాడు గ్రూపు సంస్థల చైర్మన్ శ్రీ రామోజీరావు అస్తమయం తీవ్ర దిగ్భ్రాంతిని కలిగించింది. ఒక సామాన్య కుటుంబంలో పుట్టి అసామాన్య విజయాలు సాధించిన శ్రీ రామోజీరావు మరణం తీవ్ర ఆవేదనకు గురి చేసింది. అక్షర యోధుడుగా శ్రీ రామోజీ తెలుగు రాష్ట్రాలకు, దేశానికి ఎన్నో సేవలు అందించారు. తెలుగు వారి… pic.twitter.com/jYHQDFJdxF

— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) June 8, 2024

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

Saddened by the passing of Shri Ramoji Rao garu.

His remarkable contributions to Telugu media and journalism is commendable.

My deepest condolences to his family members.

Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/zJzTyOMbL7

— G Kishan Reddy (Modi Ka Parivar) (@kishanreddybjp) June 8, 2024

Deeply saddened by the passing of Ramoji Rao garu. Every time I had the fortune of meeting him, it was a profound life-learning lesson. His wisdom, courage, and righteousness left an indelible mark on me. He also was always supportive for the film industry. He built an empire…

— Vishnu Manchu (@iVishnuManchu) June 8, 2024

Waking up to such heartbreaking news is devastating. The pride of the Telugu community, the legend of Telugu media, Sri Ramoji Rao garu, is no more. His inspirational journey and towering presence have left an indelible mark on our hearts. The loss feels immeasurable, and his… pic.twitter.com/Qi2g6xACea

— Rohith Nara (@IamRohithNara) June 8, 2024

మీరు ఈలోకాన్ని వదిలి వెళ్లినా ఈనాడు రూపంలో మా గుండెల్లో చిరస్థాయిగా నిలిచిపోతారు 🙏ఓం శాంతి 🙏🙏

Rest in peace legend ramojirao garu 🙏 pic.twitter.com/tklTkeIrqr

— Gopichandh Malineni (@megopichand) June 8, 2024