The man who straddled the media and film industry in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for half a century, Cherukuri
Ramoji Rao, passed away at the age of 87 in the city. Ramoji Rao, who had been ailing for some time, was admitted to a hospital on Friday and put on ventilator support. He passed away on Saturday.
Prime Minister elect Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu have condoled his death.
His last rites will be performed with state honours at Ramoji Film City on Sunday.
A recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, Ramoji Rao put Hyderabad on the world map by launching Ramoji Film City, which was dubbed as a one-stop shop for movie making. Launched in 1996, it is the world's largest film studio. Bollywood shot films here and some international movies were also made on its sprawling grounds.
Ramoji Rao hailed from Pedaparupudu village in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. Always dressed in white, he was known to be meticulous at work building his business empire, including a chit fund company, and a pickle brand among others. It was Ramoji Rao who brought Tollywood super star N T Rama Rao into politics.
"He was a visionary who revolutionized Indian media. His rich contributions have left an indelible mark on journalism and the world of films. 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," Modi said on X.
TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu also paid his last respects on Saturday. Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy, former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Jangamohan Reddy, and a host of political leaders and film personalities have condoled his passing away.
Filmmaker S S Rajamouli said on social media: "One man with his 50 years of resilience, hard work 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'. As a mark of respect to Ramoji Rao, the Telugu film industry has cancelled shootings on Sunday."
BJP leader G Kishan Reddy has been deputed by Modi to officially represent the central government at the last rites of Ramoji Rao.