"A magnificent Telugu light has burned out": Former VP Venkaiah Naidu pays tribute to Ramoji Rao

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], June 9 : Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu paid tribute to the late Ramoji Rao, the 87-year-old founder of Eenadu and Ramoji Film City, who passed away early Saturday morning while undergoing treatment at Star Hospital in Hyderabad.
Naidu expressed profound sorrow over the loss, stating, "A magnificent Telugu light has burned out. Ramoji Rao is not a person, he is a powerful system. With his own efforts and hard work, he rose to heights by gaining success in various sectors. His acts, writings and the works he has done will always be role models for future generations."
Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with Rao, Naidu shared, "I have known him since he established the newspaper. Through our conversations, I have gained many mature thoughts. He is a warrior."
Conveying his condolences, Naidu added, "I pray to God that his soul rests in peace. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family on behalf of myself and my family."
Ramoji Rao the chairman of the Eenadu media group and founder of Ramoji Film City, passed away while undergoing treatment at Star Hospital in Hyderabad early morning on Saturday.
Rao's legacy is vast, encompassing numerous successful business ventures and media productions. Under his leadership, Eenadu became a major force in Telugu media.
His other business ventures include the film production house Usha Kiran Movies, the film distribution company Mayuri Film Distributors, the financial services firm Margadarsi Chit Fund, and the hotel chain Dolphin Group of Hotels. He was also the head of the ETV Network of television channels.
In 2016, he received the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India, from then-President Pranab Mukherjee.
President Droupadi Murmu also offered condolences on the demise of Ramoji Rao, on Saturday.
The President said that with the demise of Ramoji Rao, India has lost a titan of the media and entertainment sector.
"An innovative entrepreneur, he pioneered many ventures, including the Eenadu newspaper, ETV news network and Ramoji Film City. Honoured with Padma Vibhushan, he succeeded as his vision was essentially rooted in society. His contributions to this industry will be long remembered. My condolences to his family and well-wishers," President Murmu said in a post on X.
Earlier, on June 8, Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi condoled the demise of Ramoji Rao
In a post on X, Modi said the passing away of Ramoji Rao is extremely saddening as he highlighted the latter's contributions to journalism and the film industry.
"He was a visionary who revolutionized Indian media. His rich contributions have left an indelible mark on journalism and the world of films. Through his noteworthy efforts, he set new standards for innovation and excellence in the media and entertainment world," the post mentioned.