Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, founder of ETV & Ramoji Film City, passes away at 87

Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, the esteemed founder of the Telugu news and entertainment network ETV and the visionary behind Ramoji Film City, passed away at the age of 87 on Saturday morning in Hyderabad. Rao had been undergoing treatment for the past few days and breathed his last at 4:50am, as reported by ETV Telangana, a channel within the Ramoji Group.

Ramoji Rao was a pioneering figure in the Indian media and entertainment industry. His contributions include establishing ETV, a prominent Telugu news and entertainment network, and creating Ramoji Film City. In January 2014, the Ramoji Group sold its non-Telugu language TV assets to TV18, while retaining permission to use the ETV brand name.

Rao’s mortal remains have been transported to his residence at the renowned Ramoji Film City, where many are expected to pay their respects.