Media baron Ramoji Rao given State funeral

Hyderabad: The mortal remains of media baron and Ramoji Group chairman Ch Ramoji Rao, were consigned to flames near here on Sunday.

The funeral was held with full state honours at Ramoji Film City here, in the presence of his family, friends and well-wishers. His son Kiron lit the pyre. Ramoji Rao, who revolutionised the news and entertainment industry, died at a hospital here early on Saturday. He was 88. A host of dignitaries, including former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, former Chief Justice of India N V Ramana, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu, Telangana Ministers Tummala Nageswara Rao and D Seethakka, members from the film fraternity and others paid their last respects to Ramoji Rao.

Chandrababu Naidu, who joined in carrying the bier, in a post on ‘X’ said: “My heart is filled with deep sorrow as I took part in the final rites and bid adieu to Telugu doyen Ramoji Rao. He may not be among us now but he will continue to inspire and lead us forward as a guide. His glory shines eternally like the rays of dawn”. Ramoji Rao, who created a sensation in the media industry in undivided Andhra Pradesh with the Eenadu newspaper and ETV group of channels, was a recipient of Padma Vibhushan.