Ramoji Rao, pioneer behind Ramoji Film City, passes away.

Ramoji Rao Cherukuri, the distinguished media tycoon and founder of Eenadu and Ramoji Film City, passed away early Saturday morning at the age of 87. He was receiving treatment at Star Hospital in Hyderabad when he took his last breath at 3:45 am.

He led the Ramoji Group, managing an extensive portfolio of assets that included the globally recognized Ramoji Film City, the world's largest film production facility.

In addition to this, the group's holdings encompassed notable media outlets like the Eenadu newspaper, the ETV Network of television channels, and the film production company Usha Kiran Movies.

Ramoji Rao's expansive business ventures include the Margadarsi Chit Fund, the Dolphin Group of Hotels, the Kalanjali shopping mall, Priya Pickles, and Mayuri Film Distributors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow at Rao's passing, hailing him as a visionary who transformed the landscape of Indian media.

"Rao's profound contributions have left an enduring legacy in journalism and cinema," Modi shared on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Reports indicate that a few years ago, Ramoji Rao successfully overcame a battle with colon cancer.

In 2016, he was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, presented by then-President Pranab Mukherjee.