President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday condoled the demise of renowned media tycoon Ramoji Rao and said his contributions to the industry will be long remembered.  Rao, who revolutionised the news and entertainment industry, died at a hospital in Hyderabad early on Saturday. He was 88.

“With the demise of Shri Ramoji Rao, India has lost a titan of the media and entertainment sector,” President Murmu said in a social media post.

An innovative entrepreneur, Rao pioneered a number of ventures, including the Eenadu newspaper, ETV news network and Ramoji Film City, President Murmu said.

“Honoured with Padma Vibhushan, he succeeded as his vision was essentially rooted in society. His contributions to this industry will be long remembered. My condolences to his family and well-wishers,” she said.

Prime Minister Modi expressed grief at the death of noted media personality Ramoji Rao, describing him as a visionary who revolutionised Indian media.

Rao’s rich contributions have left an indelible mark on journalism and the world of films, Modi said in a social media post, adding that through his noteworthy efforts, he set new standards in innovation and excellence in the media and entertainment world.

“Ramoji Rao Garu was extremely passionate about India’s development. I am fortunate to have got several opportunities to interact with him and benefit from his wisdom. Condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers during this difficult time. Om Shanti.”

Rao, who was undergoing treatment for the past few days, breathed his last at 4.50 am, according to ETV, Telangana, one of the Ramoji group channels.

Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, TDP Chief N Chandrababu Naidu, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, former Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao and several other leaders condoled the death of Ramoji Rao.

Venkaiah Naidu said Ramoji Rao set a new trend in every field he worked. Ramoji Rao’s service to Telugu language and culture will be remembered forever, he added.

Revanth Reddy termed Ramoji Rao’s death as a “great loss” to the Telugu newspaper and media industry.

The Chief Minister, who is in Delhi to attend CWC meeting, directed state Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari to conduct Ramoji Rao’s funeral with official honours.

Chandrababu Naidu said Ramoji Rao left an indelible impression on the lives of Telugu people. Ramoji Rao’s demise is a loss not just to the state but the country, he said.  Ramoji Rao set new trends and reforms in the media industry while upholding values, Kishan Reddy said.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale condoled the demise of media baron Ramoji Rao, saying his contribution as a pioneer in adding unique features and practices in his chosen field will be long remembered.

In a message, Hosabale said, “Eenadu and Ramoji Film City founder Shri Ramoji Rao’s demise is a great loss, especially for the field of journalism and film. His contribution as a pioneer in adding unique features and practices in his chosen field will be long remembered”.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and also countless admirers and pray the almighty to bestow ‘sadgati’ to the departed soul,” he added.

The Editors Guild of India condoled the death of its former president Ramoji Rao, the founder of Eenadu daily and the ETV network.

The Guild said Rao would be best remembered as being a media owner who on several occasions took on the establishment and fearlessly spoke truth to power.

“He was a trailblazer in many ways. Besides launching the multi-edition Eenadu daily, he was the head of the Telugu news and entertainment network, ETV, and also set up the Ramoji Film City,” it said in a statement. The Guild said Rao would remain an icon and continue to inspire journalists of this country.

Telugu Superstar Chiranjeevi posted an emotional social media message saying that Ramoji Rao who is like a mountain that never bowed down to anyone reached the heavenly abode.