Introduction
Ramoji Rao was one of India’s most influential media barons, film producers and entrepreneurs. As the founder of Ramoji Film City—the world’s largest integrated film studio complex—and the Eenadu media group, he played a monumental role in shaping Indian cinema, journalism and regional media. His vision, discipline and innovation earned him national and global recognition.
Ramoji Rao Biography / Wiki
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cherukuri Ramoji Rao |
| Date of Birth | November 16, 1936 |
| Birthplace | Pedaparupudi, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Died | June 8, 2024 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Media Entrepreneur, Film Producer, Businessman |
| Years Active | 1960s – 2024 |
| Known For | Ramoji Film City, Eenadu Newspaper, Usha Kiran Movies |
Early Life
Ramoji Rao was born into an agricultural family in a small village of Andhra Pradesh. With strong determination and a natural talent for business, he dreamed of building large-scale enterprises from an early age.
Childhood Traits
Visionary thinking
Independent and hardworking
Creative problem-solver
Leadership qualities
Passion for writing and media
Family & Background
Father: Venkata Subba Rao
Mother: Venkata Subbamma
Wife: Rama Devi (passed away)
Children:
Cherukuri Kiran – Businessman
Cherukuri Vijayeshwari
Ramoji Rao maintained a disciplined family and professional life.
Education
He completed his schooling in Andhra Pradesh and took an early interest in literature and journalism.
Though not highly formally educated, his practical knowledge and vision were exceptional.
Early Career
Ramoji Rao started his professional journey as an entrepreneur with small businesses.
Initial Ventures
Consumer goods
Agricultural products
Small-scale industries
His early success encouraged him to expand into media and entertainment.
Eenadu – Media Revolution
In 1974, Ramoji Rao launched Eenadu, a Telugu newspaper that completely transformed regional journalism.
Why Eenadu Became a Game Changer
Modern reporting style
Clean design and layout
Strong local news coverage
Independent journalism
Eenadu soon became Andhra Pradesh’s most-read newspaper.
ETV Network
Ramoji Rao expanded into broadcast media with ETV, one of India’s earliest and largest regional TV networks.
Channels Included
ETV Telugu
ETV Kannada
ETV Bangla
ETV Marathi
ETV Uttar Pradesh
More regional and national channels
His network made regional TV accessible across India.
Ramoji Film City
Founded in 1996, Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad holds the Guinness World Record as the world’s largest film studio complex.
Highlights
Spread across 2,000 acres
Complete film production ecosystem
Thousands of films shot across Indian cinema
Major tourist destination
It remains a monumental contribution to Indian filmmaking.
Film Production – Usha Kiran Movies
Ramoji Rao also produced several successful Telugu films.
Notable Films
Mayuri
Nuvve Kavali
Nuvvu Naaku Nachav
Pratighatana
Abhilasha
He supported new talent and meaningful cinema.
Business Empire
Ramoji Rao’s group includes:
Eenadu (Newspaper)
ETV Network
Ramoji Film City
Usha Kiran Movies
Margadarsi Chit Fund
Dolphin Hotels
Kiran Jewellery
His diversified businesses created multiple employment opportunities.
Awards & Achievements
Padma Vibhushan (2016) – India’s second-highest civilian award
National Film Awards
Guinness World Record for Ramoji Film City
Legacy as India’s top media entrepreneur
Ramoji Rao Net Worth
Estimated Net Worth
Around ₹6,000–7,000 Crore (Approx.)
Major Income Sources
Media networks
Film city
Chit funds
Hotels
Film production
Business ventures
He was one of India’s richest and most influential media personalities.
Personal Life
Personal Highlights
Known for discipline and simple living
Deeply spiritual
Dedicated to work until his last years
Respected across political and entertainment industries
Lifestyle & Interests
Passion for writing and reading
Focus on infrastructure and large-scale development
Loved supporting new talent
Kept a low-profile personal life
Legacy
Ramoji Rao leaves behind one of the strongest media and entertainment legacies in India.
What He Represents
Visionary entrepreneurship
Media innovation
Record-breaking film infrastructure
A self-made legend
His contributions will continue shaping Indian media for generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ramoji Rao famous for?
For founding Eenadu, ETV Network, and Ramoji Film City.
What is Ramoji Rao’s net worth?
Approximately ₹6,000–7,000 crore.
When was Ramoji Rao born?
November 16, 1936.
When did Ramoji Rao pass away?
June 8, 2024.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not officially connected to Ramoji Rao. All details are based on publicly available information.
