Ramoji Rao

The head of Ramoji group, Cherukuri Ramoji Rao is an Indian businessmen, educationist, media entrepreneur, film producer and journalist.He was born on 16 November 1936 in Pedaparupudi, Madras Presidency. Having his roots from an agricultural family, he is a very simple yet loving soul. He is usually spotted in white safari, paired up with white shoes and socks which perfectly matches his persona. Ramoji group, a conglomerate, owns the ”Ramoji Film City,” which holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest film studio in the world. Along with this it covers Eenadu newspaper, ETV, Priya Foodsand Margadarsi Chit Fund. Ramoji Rao is also the chairman of the Dolphin chain of Hotels in Andra Pradesh.

The company operates a range of hotels in Ramoji Film City – from budget property Tara to luxury Hotel Sitara. His versatile business also comprises of a film production company Ushakiran Movie, set up in 1983. His estimated net worth is supposed to be INR 2,250 crores. He has produced various films including Naache Mayuri (1986), Pratighaat (1987), Daddy Daddy (1998), Dr. Munshir Diary (2000), Shubhavela (2000), Mechanic Mamaiah (2000), Nuvve Kavali (2000), Moodu Mukkalata (2000), Chitram (2000), Istam (2001), Anandam (2001), Akasa Veedhilo (2001), Ninnu Choodalani (2001), Deevinchandi (2001), Manasunte Chalu (2002), Priya Nestama (2002), Oka Raju Oka Rani (2003), Tujhe Meri Kasam (2003), Centipede! (2004), Thoda Tum Badlo Thoda Hum (2004), Anandamanandamaye (2004), Veedhi (2006), Nachavule (2008), Betting Bangarraju (2010), Nuvvila (2011), and Dagudumootha Dandakor (2015).

In 2016 he has been honored by the Indian Government with Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award for his contribution in literature, journalism and education. He has also won the National Film Awards The National Film Awards gets presented every year >> Read More... for Best Feature Film in Telugu as producer in Nuvve Kavali in 2000, Filmfare Best Film Award (Telugu) - Pratighatana in 1985, Filmfare Special Award-South for outstanding contribution towards Indian cinema in 1998, Filmfare Best Film Award For Nuvve Kavali in 2000 and Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award-South in 2004.  

Ramoji Rao was suffering from heart-related ailments and died on 8th June 2024 at 87.