SS Rajamouli and MM Keeravani pay their final respects to media mogul Ramoji Rao

Eminent director SS Rajamouli and music director Keeravani were among scores of people who paid tributes to media baron Ramoji Rao, who passed away early today at a hospital in Hyderabad. Several actors, politicians, and film industry professionals have condoled the death of the great visionary, who was also hailed as a pioneer in Indian cinema.

Ramoji Rao’s mortal remains have been placed at the Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad for his family and friends to pay their last respects. Filmmaker SS Rajamouli and music composer MM Keeravani arrived at the Film City to offer prayers for the departed soul.

Rao, who was 87, passed away while undergoing treatment at Star Hospital in Hyderabad on Saturday morning. His 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. Many took to social media to pay their heartfelt tributes to Rao, including NTR Jr, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Telugu Desam Party supremo N Chandrababu Naidu.