A Legacy Celluloid and Beyond: Remembering Ramoji Rao


The Indian media and entertainment industry mourned the loss of a titan yesterday with the passing of Ramoji Rao, the visionary founder of the Ramoji Group. Rao, who died at 87, leaves behind a legacy that forever transformed both Telugu-language media and Indian filmmaking.

His story began not on a silver screen, but in the quiet fields of Andhra Pradesh. Born in 1936 to an agricultural family, Rao's dreams stretched far beyond the horizon. Fueled by a hunger for knowledge and a desire to make a difference, he ventured into the media world in 1973 with the launch of the Eenadu newspaper. Meaning "the only one" in Telugu, Eenadu quickly rose to prominence with its bold, investigative journalism and unwavering focus on regional issues. This success became the cornerstone upon which Rao built his ambitious media empire.

A man who thrived on innovation, Rao recognized the burgeoning potential of television. In 1995, he launched ETV, one of the first regional language television channels in India. ETV broke new ground by offering Telugu-language news, entertainment shows, and educational programming. This accessibility to local stories and perspectives in their native tongue resonated deeply with Telugu audiences, making ETV a household name.

But Rao's most audacious vision materialized in 2001 with the inauguration of Ramoji Film City. This wasn't just a film studio; it was a sprawling 1,666-acre dreamscape, meticulously crafted to fulfill every filmmaker's desire. From soundstages and backlots to elaborate sets, outdoor locations, and even theme parks, Ramoji Film City became a one-stop shop for filmmakers across India. This self-contained marvel earned its place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest film production facility. 

Ramoji Rao's influence transcended the silver screen. A shrewd businessman, he diversified his holdings with ventures like the Margadarsi Chit Fund, the Dolphin Group of hotels, and Priya Foods. He was also a compassionate philanthropist who established the Rama Devi Public School, known for its high-quality education and focus on empowering future generations. In recognition of his immense contributions, Rao was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honor, in 2016.

Ramoji Rao's passing leaves a void that cannot be easily filled. He was a true pioneer, a man who dared to dream big and translate those dreams into reality with unwavering determination. His commitment to quality journalism, regional language content, and fostering Indian filmmaking will continue to inspire generations to come. The man who once dreamt big from a small village leaves behind a legacy celluloid and beyond, forever etched in the annals of Indian media and entertainment. 

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