The Telangana government decided to conduct the last rites with full state honours between 9 am and 11 am on 9 June.
Published Jun 08, 2024 | 12:01 PM ⚊UpdatedJun 08, 2024 | 3:42 PM
A file photo of Ramoji Rao at Ramoji Film City. (X)

On Saturday, 8 June, the Telugu film industry and the Telugu people across the world woke up to the sad news about the passing away of renowned film producer-distributor, media personality, and businessman Cherukuri Ramoji Rao.
He breathed his last while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Hyderabad. He was rushed to the hospital late on Friday night after he complained of breathlessness.
He is survived by his wife Rama Devi and son Ch Kiran. His younger son died of leukaemia in 2012.
Ramoji Rao’s mortal remains have been shifted to his residence near Ramoji Film City.
Meanwhile, the Telangana state government has decided to conduct the last rites of Ramoji Rao with full state honours. The final rites will be held in Ramoji Film City between 9 am and 11 am on Sunday, 9 June.
Ramoji Rao entered the filmdom in 1984 with Srivariki Premalekha, a rom-com written and directed by the late Jandhyala. Starring Naresh and Poornima, it was a musical and commercial hit.
Later, went on to produce several commercial hits and critically acclaimed films. His movies—Mayuri (1985), Pratighatana (1985), Mouna Poratam (1989), and Aswini (1991) made the audience sit and notice.
Mayuri was a biography based on the life of dancer Sudha Chandran, who headlined the flick. The film was screened at IFFI and won applause from the audience.
Pratighatana saw Vijayashanti play a college lecturer, who is disrobed in public for refusing to take back her complaint against a criminal named Kali (played by Chararaj) for killing a cop in daylight.
The film was a roaring hit and brought Vijayashanti into the limelight for her awe-inspiring performance.
Mouna Poratam marked the debut of director Mohan Gandhi and actors Yamuna and Vinod Kumar. It’s based on the life of a tribal woman named Sabita Badhei (played by Yamuna), who was betrayed by a government officer.
She launched a serious fight for her conjugal rights and recognition of her illegitimate child. The then government appointed a Lok Adalat to ensure speedy justice.
Aswini launched renowned sprinter Aswini Nachappa as the female lead and is about her story.
And then, films like Nuvve Kavali (2000), Chitram (2000), Anandam (2001), and Nachavule (2008) reflected the aspirations, college and love life of younger generations. They were all superhits, too.
Actors and technicians in the Telugu film industry expressed their heartfelt condolences over Rao’s demise.
They recalled the unparalleled achievements of Ramoji Rao as a media entrepreneur, film producer, hotelier, and businessman.
They described him as a legend who inspired them through innovation, determination and excellence.
They also recounted how Rao introduced young talents to Telugu cinema (Jr NTR as the male lead with Ninnu Choodalani in 2001).
Many filmmakers voluntarily cancelled film-related events and press meets on Saturday to pay tribute to the visionary.
Team Game Changer, starring Ram Charan and directed by Shankar, observed a few minutes of silence on their sets to pay their last respects to Ramoji Rao.
Team #GameChanger pays tribute to the legendary #RamojiRao garu with a moment of silence 🙏🏻
The way you paved countless paths with your vision has defined today’s cinema ❤️ You will always be a source of hope and inspiration 🙏🏻
Rest in Peace sir! pic.twitter.com/Aas2MYMW4c
— Sri Venkateswara Creations (@SVC_official) June 8, 2024

Meanwhile, the Telugu Film Producers’ Council has announced that the industry will remain closed on 9 June as a mark of respect to Ramoji Rao. No shootings and film-related works will be held in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states on Sunday.
రామోజీ రావు గారి మరణించిన కారణంగా తెలుగు ఫిల్మ్ ఇండస్ట్రీ రేపు ఆంధ్ర, తెలంగాణ రాష్ట్రాలలో నిలుపవేయబడుతుంది. #RipRamojiRao pic.twitter.com/i4nBluiZ2v
— Telugu Film Producers Council (@tfpcin) June 8, 2024

Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh Daggubati, Pawan Kalyan, Mahesh Babu, Nagarjuna, Allu Arjun, Jr NTR, Mohan Babu, Kalyanram, Kajal Aggarwal, Vishnu Manchu, Ravi Teja, KS Ramarao, SS Rajamouli, Nithiin, Naga Vamsi, Thiruveer, and Sree Vishnu are among those who condoled the death of Ramoji Rao on social media.
ఎవ్వరికీ తలవంచని మేరు పర్వతం ..
దివి కేగింది 🙏💔
🙏 ఓం శాంతి 🙏 pic.twitter.com/a8H8t9Tzvf
— Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) June 8, 2024

Ramoji Rao garu was a true visionary whose revolutionary work in Indian media has left an unforgettable legacy. His contributions to journalism and cinema have inspired so many. He will be missed dearly. Heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. May his soul rest in peace 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/YKEDaEHeCT
— Venkatesh Daggubati (@VenkyMama) June 8, 2024

బహుముఖ ప్రజ్ఞాశాలి శ్రీ రామోజీ రావు గారు – JanaSena Chief Shri @PawanKalyan #RamojiRao pic.twitter.com/SMgT991MBQ
— JanaSena Party (@JanaSenaParty) June 8, 2024

Aavesham
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

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

Om Shanti! 🙏
Sri Ramoji Rao Garu! pic.twitter.com/nigEOh2U4G
— Mohan Babu M (@themohanbabu) June 8, 2024

Deeply saddened by the passing of #RamojiRao garu. My heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
His legacy will continue to inspire many. May his soul rest in peace.
Om Shanti 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/xQDrMebel7
— Kajal Aggarwal (@MsKajalAggarwal) June 8, 2024

Mourning the loss of #RamojiRao garu, whose vision transformed journalism. My deepest condolences to his family and dearest ones. May his soul rest in peace. OM SHANTI 🙏
— Ravi Teja (@RaviTeja_offl) June 8, 2024

ONE man with his 50 years of resilience, hardwork and innovation provided employment, livelihood and hope for millions. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
The only way we can pay tribute to Ramoji Rao garu is conferring him with “BHARAT RATNA”
— rajamouli ss (@ssrajamouli) June 8, 2024

Deeply saddened by the demise of Padma Vibhushan Shri #RamojiRao Garu, a true visionary behind Ramoji Film City and Eenadu.
His unparalleled achievements as an industrialist and media pioneer will continue to inspire and influence generations to come.
May his soul rest in… pic.twitter.com/E3Wu1hjOLg
— Vyjayanthi Movies (@VyjayanthiFilms) June 8, 2024

Deeply saddened by the news of Padma Vibhushan Sri Ramoji Rao Garu’s passing away.
His legacy will live on, contributions to the media industry will continue to inspire many. May his soul rest in peace.. om shanti.. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/wYLKaFIuAM
— nithiin (@actor_nithiin) June 8, 2024

Shri Ramoji Rao garu has been an inspiration for me embodying ambition, hardwork, passion and commitment to reach greater heights. It’s unfortunate to lose such an iconic media personality and hope his family finds strength to cope up with his loss. May his soul Rest in… pic.twitter.com/PG6VbDstU0
— Naga Vamsi (@vamsi84) June 8, 2024

The passing away of Padma Vibhushan #RamojiRao Garu is saddening.
His contributions as an ace industrialist and a media baron will forever be remembered. He will continue to inspire many.
May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti pic.twitter.com/vPSIrlM7Gt
— Mythri Movie Makers (@MythriOfficial) June 8, 2024

రామోజీరావు గారు
“ఈనాడు” అనే పత్రిక స్థాపించి అటు ప్రజల్లో ఇటు రాజకీయాల్లో ఎంతో చైతన్యం తీసుకువచ్చారు
“ఈ ఉషా కిరణాలు ” అంటూ ఎన్నో సందేశత్మక చిత్రాలు నిర్మించి…. సమాజాన్ని ప్రభావితం చేశారు
“రామోజీ ఫిల్మ్ సిటీ ” తో తెలుగు చిత్ర పరిశ్రమ కి ఒక బ్రాండ్ ని తీసుకువచ్చారు… 🙏🙏🙏… pic.twitter.com/gvGhmdzgry
— Anil Ravipudi (@AnilRavipudi) June 8, 2024

Saddened to hear about the passing of Padma Vibhushan Sri #RamojiRao Garu. Legendary Icon of the Media Industry.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this tough time. His legacy is an inspiration and will be remembered forever. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/bSOpxiSVbB
— Thiruveer (@iamThiruveeR) June 8, 2024

బహుముఖ ప్రజ్ఞాశాలి, భారతీయ మీడియా మరియు చిత్ర పరిశ్రమ రంగాల్లో తనకంటూ ప్రత్యేక స్థానం సంపాదించుకున్న దార్సనికుడు, ఎంతోమందికి ఆదర్శప్రాయుడు “రామోజీ రావు” గారి ఆత్మకు శాంతి చేకూరాలి అని ప్రార్ధిస్తున్నాను!#RIPRamojiRaoGaru 🙏
— Bobby (@dirbobby) June 8, 2024

Deeply saddened to hear that Sri Ramoji Rao Garu is no more. A visionary unlike any other, someone I looked up to ever since I was child. His loss is a personal loss to my family and my second home The Ramoji Film city will never be the same again. My deepest condolences to his…
— Allari Naresh (@allarinaresh) June 8, 2024

The demise of Ramoji Rao Garu is profoundly saddening. He was a pioneer and his groundbreaking contributions set unmatched standards in the media and entertainment industry. Deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.
Rest in peace, Sir.🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/SmKQ5klVWv
— Suresh Productions (@SureshProdns) June 8, 2024

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth, too, extended his deep condolences over the demise of Rao.
I am deeply saddened on hearing the demise of my mentor and well wisher Shri Ramoji Rao Garu. The man who created history in Journalism, Cinema and a great kingmaker in Politics. He was my guide and inspiration in my life. May his soul rest in peace. @Ramoji_FilmCity
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) June 8, 2024

Meanwhile, the media personnel recounted the rich contribution of Ramoji Rao to the field of journalism as the chief editor of “Eenadu” Telugu newspaper and the ETV Network of channels.
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