Media Baron Ramoji Rao Passes Away: A Look Back at his Entrepreneurial Journey

Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, the renowned media baron and entrepreneur, passed away on June 8, leaving behind a legacy that reshaped the media landscape in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. His entrepreneurial journey, which began in Visakhapatnam, is a testament to his vision and perseverance.

Ramoji Rao, the founder of Eenadu, the leading Telugu daily, initiated his media empire in the City of Destiny on August 10, 1974. Renting a defunct film studio in Seethammadhara, he launched the first edition of Eenadu, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey.

Under the Ramoji Group umbrella, the legacy of Cherukuri Ramoji Rao extends beyond Eenadu to encompass a diverse array of ventures. From the sprawling Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad to the hospitality sector with the iconic Dolphin Hotel, his influence spans industries and geographies.

Colleagues fondly recall Ramoji Rao’s grassroots approach to promoting Eenadu, where he traversed the city on a Lambretta scooter, personally driving distribution efforts. Starting with modest print orders and sales, his background in advertising proved instrumental in sustaining the newspaper during its nascent stages.

Outside the realm of media, Ramoji Rao’s foray into the hotel industry began with the establishment of Dolphin Hotel in Visakhapatnam during the early 1980s. Today, this flagship property stands as a testament to his entrepreneurial acumen and commitment to excellence.