Telugu film fraternity mourns the demise of Ramoji Rao

The Telangana government decided to conduct the last rites with full state honours between 9 am and 11 am on 9 June.

BySouth First Desk

Published Jun 08, 2024 | 12:01 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 08, 2024 | 3:42 PM

Telugu film industry mourns the demise of Ramoji Rao

A file photo of Ramoji Rao at Ramoji Film City. (X)

On Saturday, 8 June, the Telugu film industry and the Telugu people across the world woke up to the sad news about the passing away of renowned film producer-distributor, media personality, and businessman Cherukuri Ramoji Rao.

He breathed his last while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Hyderabad. He was rushed to the hospital late on Friday night after he complained of breathlessness.

He is survived by his wife Rama Devi and son Ch Kiran. His younger son died of leukaemia in 2012.

Ramoji Rao’s mortal remains have been shifted to his residence near Ramoji Film City.

Meanwhile, the Telangana state government has decided to conduct the last rites of Ramoji Rao with full state honours. The final rites will be held in Ramoji Film City between 9 am and 11 am on Sunday, 9 June.

Ramoji Rao entered the filmdom in 1984 with Srivariki Premalekha, a rom-com written and directed by the late Jandhyala. Starring Naresh and Poornima, it was a musical and commercial hit.

Later, went on to produce several commercial hits and critically acclaimed films. His movies—Mayuri (1985), Pratighatana (1985), Mouna Poratam (1989), and Aswini (1991) made the audience sit and notice.

Mayuri was a biography based on the life of dancer Sudha Chandran, who headlined the flick. The film was screened at IFFI and won applause from the audience.

Pratighatana saw Vijayashanti play a college lecturer, who is disrobed in public for refusing to take back her complaint against a criminal named Kali (played by Chararaj) for killing a cop in daylight.

The film was a roaring hit and brought Vijayashanti into the limelight for her awe-inspiring performance.

Mouna Poratam marked the debut of director Mohan Gandhi and actors Yamuna and Vinod Kumar. It’s based on the life of a tribal woman named Sabita Badhei (played by Yamuna), who was betrayed by a government officer.

She launched a serious fight for her conjugal rights and recognition of her illegitimate child. The then government appointed a Lok Adalat to ensure speedy justice.

Aswini launched renowned sprinter Aswini Nachappa as the female lead and is about her story.

And then, films like Nuvve Kavali (2000), Chitram (2000), Anandam (2001), and Nachavule (2008) reflected the aspirations, college and love life of younger generations. They were all superhits, too.

Check out the gallery: Ramoji Rao no more; the end of an era

Ramoji Rao, an inspiration for all

Actors and technicians in the Telugu film industry expressed their heartfelt condolences over Rao’s demise.

They recalled the unparalleled achievements of Ramoji Rao as a media entrepreneur, film producer, hotelier, and businessman.

They described him as a legend who inspired them through innovation, determination and excellence.

They also recounted how Rao introduced young talents to Telugu cinema (Jr NTR as the male lead with Ninnu Choodalani in 2001).

Many filmmakers voluntarily cancelled film-related events and press meets on Saturday to pay tribute to the visionary.

Team Game Changer, starring Ram Charan and directed by Shankar, observed a few minutes of silence on their sets to pay their last respects to Ramoji Rao.

Meanwhile, the Telugu Film Producers’ Council has announced that the industry will remain closed on 9 June as a mark of respect to Ramoji Rao. No shootings and film-related works will be held in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states on Sunday.

Condolences pour in

Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh Daggubati, Pawan Kalyan, Mahesh Babu, Nagarjuna, Allu Arjun, Jr NTR, Mohan Babu, Kalyanram, Kajal Aggarwal, Vishnu Manchu, Ravi Teja, KS Ramarao, SS Rajamouli, Nithiin, Naga Vamsi, Thiruveer, and Sree Vishnu are among those who condoled the death of Ramoji Rao on social media.

Aavesham

The passing away of Padma Vibhushan #RamojiRao Garu is saddening.

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth, too, extended his deep condolences over the demise of Rao.

Meanwhile, the media personnel recounted the rich contribution of Ramoji Rao to the field of journalism as the chief editor of “Eenadu” Telugu newspaper and the ETV Network of channels.

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