Ramoji Rao poses for a photograph.

Media baron Ramoji Rao passed away here on Saturday. He was 88.

The chairman of Eenadu Group of Companies breathed his last at a private hospital where he was admitted on June 5 due to breathing problems.

According to family sources, he passed away at 4.50am.

Ramoji Rao was the founder of the largest circulated Telugu daily ‘Eenadu’, ‘ETV’ group of channels and Ramoji Film City.

His body was shifted to his residence in Ramoji Film City.

Born on November 16, 1936, in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, he launched the Telugu daily Eenadu from Visakhapatnam on August 10, 1974. In a short span of time, it became a leading daily.

The Telangana government has decided to conduct the last rites of Ramoji Rao with state honours.

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The news of Ramoji Rao’s death shocked the media and entertainment industries and politicians alike. Condolences poured in from a cross-section of society.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the passing away of Ramoji Rao, the Eenadu Group's Chairman, is "extremely saddening".

Modi took to social media platform X to express his condolences.

"The passing away of Shri Ramoji Rao Garu is extremely saddening. He was a visionary who revolutionised 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," he said in a post.

"Ramoji Rao Garu was extremely passionate about India’s development. I am fortunate to have got several opportunities to interact with him and benefit from his wisdom. Condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers during this difficult time. Om Shanti," the Prime Minister added.

Former Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that media baron Ramoji Rao, who passed away on Saturday, was an institution in himself.

Naidu paid rich tributes through a post on X: "Deeply saddened by the demise of Padma Vibhushan Shri Ch. Ramoji Rao the founder & Chairman of the Eenadu group. Shri Ramoji Rao was more than an institution-builder; he was an institution in himself. Through Eenadu, the most widely circulated Telugu newspaper, Shri Ramoji Rao had his ear to the ground & finger on the pulse of the people. Eenadu & its TV network under his helmsmanship emerged as the heart-beat of the Telugu masses. ETV network expanded its footprint in several regional languages across the country setting a benchmark in media coverage.

"As the visionary who conceived & developed Ramoji Film City, as the founder of financial institutions like Margadarsi Chit Funds, as a filmmaker, industrialist & entrepreneur, Shri Ramoji Rao scripted history with his commitment & zeal. In my multiple interactions with Shri Ramoji Rao, I always found his unflagging devotion to principled growth of the institutions he envisioned & nurtured, shining through. Seen as the Mount Everest of media, Shri Ramoji Rao was a titan whose contribution to diverse domains, mainly media & journalism will always remain an inspiration to the younger generation,” added Naidu while conveying his condolences to Ramoji  Rao’s family.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy also expressed shock over the media baron's death and directed officials to make arrangements for his cremation with state honours.

Revanth Reddy described Ramoji Rao's death as an "irreparable loss" to Telugu journalism and media industry. He said Ramoji Rao gave credibility to Telugu journalism and values to the industry.

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President N. Chandrababu Naidu, who is set to take oath as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, expressed his shock and profound grief over the passing away of Ramoji Rao.

Naidu said that Ramoji Rao, who was born into an ordinary family, achieved extraordinary achievements. He recalled his services to both the Telugu states and the country. He termed the death of Ramoji Rao a loss not just to the Telugu people but to the entire nation.

Recalling his association with Ramoji Rao for four decades, the TDP chief said Ramoji Rao had carved a niche for himself in the media with his courage to fight for truth and uncompromising values.

"He is an inspiration to me in fighting problems. Sri Ramoji's suggestions and advice were always values in providing good policies to the people," Naidu posted on X.

Andhra Pradesh’s outgoing Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has also expressed grief over the death of Ramoji Rao.

The YSR Congress Party chief said that Ramoji Rao rendered invaluable service to Telugu journalism for decades. He conveyed his deep condolences to Ramoji Rao’s family.

Indo-Asian News Service