Who is Ramoji Rao?
Ramoji Rao was a highly influential Indian businessman and media tycoon. He was the founder of the Ramoji Group, a conglomerate that significantly shaped Indian journalism, entertainment, and the film industry. His businesses include:
- Eenadu Newspaper: A leading Telugu-language daily
- ETV Network: A collection of television channels broadcasting in multiple languages
- Ramoji Film City: The world’s largest film production complex
- Ushakiran Movies: A film production house
- Priya Foods: A popular food brand
His contributions to media and entertainment earned him a legendary status in India. He was widely respected for his visionary leadership, his ability to innovate, and his commitment to transforming the landscape of Indian media.
Ramoji Rao’s career spanned decades, and during this time, he introduced numerous groundbreaking ideas that revolutionized regional journalism and entertainment in India. His influence extended beyond media, as he also had significant contributions to politics, literature, and business ethics.
His work has left a profound impact on aspiring journalists, filmmakers, and entrepreneurs, making him a truly iconic figure in Indian history.
Ramoji Rao Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cherukuri Ramoji Rao |
| Date of Birth | November 16, 1936 |
| Place of Birth | Pedaparupudi, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Date of Death | June 8, 2024 |
| Age at Death | 87 years old |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (168 cm) |
| Weight | 85 kg (187 lbs) |
| Education | Bachelor of Science (BSc) from Gudivada College |
| Occupation | Businessman, Media Tycoon, Film Producer, Industrialist |
| Known For | Founder of Eenadu, Ramoji Film City, ETV Network |
| Father’s Name | Venkata Subbaiah |
| Mother’s Name | Venkata Subbamma |
| Siblings | Two sisters – Rajyalakshmi, Ranganayakamma |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife’s Name | Tatineni Rama Devi |
| Children | Two sons – Kiran Prabhakar (alive), Suman Prabhakar (passed away in 2012) |
| Grandchildren | Keerthi Sohana, Brihathi |
| Net Worth | ₹37,000 crore (approx. $4.5 billion) |
| Companies Owned | Eenadu, ETV Network, Ramoji Film City, Priya Foods, Ushakiran Movies |
| Awards & Honors | Padma Vibhushan (2024), Padma Bhushan (2016) |
| Business Ventures | Media, Film Production, Hospitality, Food Industry |
| Social Media Presence | Not personally active, but his businesses have a vast online presence |
| Hobbies | Reading, Writing, Yoga |
What is Ramoji Rao Net Worth?
Ramoji Rao net worth was estimated to be around ₹37,000 crore (approximately $4.5 billion) at the time of his passing in 2024. His diverse businesses across media, film, food, and real estate contributed to his massive wealth.
His most profitable ventures included:
- Eenadu Newspaper: A media giant generating revenue from print advertising
- ETV Network: A television network with multiple channels across various languages
- Ramoji Film City: A top revenue-generating tourism and film production center
- Priya Foods: A successful brand offering pickles, snacks, and food products
Despite his immense wealth, Ramoji Rao was known for his humble lifestyle and dedication to his work. He believed that success was not merely measured by financial gain but by the impact one had on society.
His wealth was not inherited but built through sheer hard work, risk-taking, and strategic decision-making. From a small-town entrepreneur to one of India’s richest businessmen, his journey is an inspiration to many.
Why is Ramoji Rao Famous?
Ramoji Rao is famous for revolutionizing regional journalism and introducing innovative media concepts in India. He transformed the Telugu media industry by launching Eenadu in 1974, which became one of the most influential newspapers in India.
Before Eenadu, the Telugu newspaper industry was largely dominated by a few older publications, and there was little room for innovation. Ramoji Rao changed that by introducing a fresh, modern approach to news reporting. His publication was bold, investigative, and fearless in its pursuit of truth, which gained a massive readership.
He also established Ramoji Film City, recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest film studio complex in the world. The facility serves as a hub for filmmakers, offering advanced production services, sets, and locations all in one place.
His contributions to cinema, media, and journalism made him a household name in India. He was not just a businessman but also a visionary who understood the potential of mass communication in shaping public opinion and influencing change.
Additionally, Ramoji Rao played a significant role in political and business discourse in India. His media ventures often took bold stances on important national issues, making him an influential figure in policymaking circles.
Ramoji Rao Age
Ramoji Rao was born on November 16, 1936, and passed away on June 8, 2024, at the age of 87.
His long and illustrious life saw many achievements, and he remained active in his businesses until his final years. Even at an advanced age, he continued to be involved in major decision-making processes within the Ramoji Group.
Ramoji Rao Biography
Early Life
Ramoji Rao was born into a Telugu-speaking Kamma family in Pedaparupudi, Andhra Pradesh. His father, Venkata Subbaiah, was a farmer, and his mother, Venkata Subbamma, was a homemaker. He had two sisters: Rajyalakshmi and Ranganayakamma.
Growing up, he showed an interest in business and journalism, which later shaped his career. From a young age, he had a keen sense of curiosity and always questioned the status quo, which played a major role in his success later in life.
Education
Ramoji Rao completed his schooling in Gudivada and later pursued a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree at Gudivada College.
During his college years, he was deeply interested in writing and media, which led him to explore opportunities in journalism and publishing. He was an avid reader and spent a lot of time learning about media and business models, which later helped him in his entrepreneurial journey.
Family
Ramoji Rao married Tatineni Rama Devi in 1961. They had two sons:
- Kiran Prabhakar – Actively involved in the Ramoji Group
- Suman Prabhakar – Passed away in 2012 due to leukemia
He also had two granddaughters through Kiran: Keerthi Sohana and Brihathi.
Family played an important role in Ramoji Rao’s life. He was a devoted husband and father and took great pride in his children’s accomplishments. Despite his busy schedule, he always made time for his family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Ramoji Rao net worth?
Ramoji Rao net worth was around ₹37,000 crore ($4.5 billion).
What was Ramoji Rao’s age when he passed away?
He was 87 years old when he passed away on June 8, 2024.
What is Ramoji Film City famous for?
It is the world’s largest film production facility, recognized by Guinness World Records.
Conclusion
Ramoji Rao was a visionary entrepreneur who reshaped the media and entertainment industry in India. His business empire, spanning newspapers, television, and film production, left a lasting impact. Even after his passing, his legacy continues to influence Indian media and journalism.
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