Eenadu Group Chairman Cherukuri Ramoji Rao (87) passed away here in the early hours of Saturday while being treated in a private hospital.
“Rao was admitted to a private hospital on June 5th after he faced difficulty in breathing and passed away on Saturday morning,’‘ the Group announced in the online edition of Telugu Daily Eenadu and ETV channels.
In a post on X (Twitter) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “The passing away of 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. Ramoji Rao Garu was extremely passionate about India’s development.”
In a statement, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock over the demise of Rao. The passing away of Ramoji Rao “is a big loss to Telugu press, media and business sectors,’‘ he said, adding that Ramoji Rao enriched integrity of Telugu journalism and showed a new direction to the media. Telangana government decided to accord State Honours to the last rites of Ramoji Rao.
Expressing ‘deep shock’, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President N Chandrababu Naidu said Ramoji Rao’s demise was a “big loss not only to the Telugu States but also to the nation.”