Remembering Ramoji Rao: A Titan of Media and Business

Veteran media personality and business tycoon Ramoji Rao, who passed away, left a remarkable legacy in multiple fields, from media to hospitality. Rising from humble beginnings, he founded the largest circulated Telugu daily, Eenadu, and the globally recognized Ramoji Film City. His ventures continue to impact millions of lives.

Veteran media personality and business tycoon Ch Ramoji Rao, who passed away here on Saturday, leaves behind an unmatched legacy that spans several sectors including media, hospitality, and retail. Rao’s journey from humble beginnings to founding Eenadu, the largest circulated Telugu daily, is legendary.

The companies he established, such as Eenadu newspaper, ETV channels, Ramoji Film City, and Priya Foods, collectively provide employment to thousands and influence millions in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and beyond. Ramoji Rao’s career also included a tenure as chairman of the Editors Guild of India.

Born on November 16, 1936, in Krishna district, Rao initially launched Margadarsi Chit Fund in 1962, progressing into media with the launch of 'Annadata' in 1969. He revolutionized the newspaper industry in 1974 with Eenadu, which remains the largest Telugu daily.

Rao’s media conglomerate expanded to include ETV, one of the first satellite entertainment channels in Telugu, and the globally renowned Ramoji Film City, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest film city.