Cherukuri Ramoji Rao (1936-2024) wasn't just any businessman - he was a media MOGUL! This visionary built the Ramoji Group which owns the world's biggest film production facility, Ramoji Film City, the influential Telugu newspaper Eenadu, the massive ETV Network, and Ushakiran Movies, a film production company.
In 2016, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan. India's second-highest civilian honour, for his contributions in journalism, literature and education.
Sridhar, the talented cartoonist who spent over four decades at Eenadu, had a special bond with the paper's founder, Ramoji Rao. Rao, who fondly referred to Sridhar as "our Chiranjeevi", had a deep respect for the cartoonist's work, and the two had a mutual admiration for each other.
In a YouTube video, Sridhar revealed some interesting tidbits about his esteemed boss at Eenadu -
Ramoji Rao was devoted family man. He passed up an opportunity to visit the US in his early years to stay with his sisters and mother.
He actively participated in household chores to assist his mother.
He had two sons, Kiran (the current MD of Eenadu) and Suman (who passed away due to cancer), along with four granddaughters and a grandson. He authored a book for his grandchildren that included 100-120 cartoons by Sridhar.
After his son passed away, Ramoji Rao stopped celebrating his birthday.
Ramoji Rao had a photographic memory.
His favorite number was 9, and he often chose dates and car numbers that summed up to 9.
From his clothes and sandals to his towels, almirahs, and even wall paint, Rao embraced a world of purity - his favorite color, white!
He had a huge collection of pens.
A foodie for much of his life, he loved pessarattu and enjoyed treating others. His favorite evening snack was mirapakaya bajji.
Later in life, he became a complete vegetarian.
Punctuality was Rao's middle name! He led a regimented life, waking up at the crack of dawn (5 am) and adhering to a strict schedule. Rao started work sharply at 10 am, left precisely at 8:30 pm, and went to bed by 11 pm.
Work wasn't a chore for Rao - it was his source of relaxation!
He had beautiful handwriting and created his own insignia denoting his initials, CR.
Known for his excellent planning skills and long-term vision, he even planned the design of his own samadhi.
Before establishing his media empire, Rao was an active member of the undivided Communist Party, using his design and writing skills for the cause.
He had a great appreciation for the performing arts, acted in dramas during his student days, and played a guest role in the movie "Tirpu."
He was very fond of the Telugu blockbusters "Mayabazaar" and "Pandava Vanavasam," watching them repeatedly and knowing every dialogue by heart.
Rao didn't just produce films; he nurtured talent! He actively promoted and launched the careers of budding stars like Srikanth, Junior NTR, and Genelia.
People's Encounter, Mayuri, Pratighatana, Mouna Poratam are just a few of the many iconic films Rao brought to life!
Padutha Theeyaga, a show on his ETV channel, became a launchpad for Telugu singing talent.
Although not personally interested in sports, he actively promoted it.
Rao's generosity extended beyond business. He was a dedicated philanthropist who championed social causes both personally and through his media platform.
Rao spearheaded the Prohibition campaign through his Eenadu newspaper. The dedicated cartoon series "Saramsam" by Sridhar, with over 250 cartoons, served as a powerful tool for social awareness.