The founder of the world’s largest film production facility – Ramoji Film City (RFC), Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, passed away at the age of 87 today. The news of his passing away was confirmed by his family members. According to a Hindustan Times' report, Ramoji Rao was suffering from chronic illness and age-related health complications for a long time. Reportedly, he was admitted to Star Hospitals of Nanakramguda in Hyderabad on June 5 due to respiratory issues and high blood pressure.

A family member issued a statement and told Hindustan Times, "He was being treated with ventilator support and was in a critical condition. He breathed his last at Star Hospitals at Nanakramguda at around 4.50 am. His body is being taken to his residence in the Ramoji Film City on the outskirts of Hyderabad in a while."

Cherukuri Ramoji Rao is survived by his wife Rama Devi and son Cherukuri Kiran, the head of the Eenadu group of publications and ETV channels. His younger son, Cherukuri Suman, breathed his last due to leukemia on September 7, 2012.

For the unversed, Ramoji Rao was the face behind establishing business empires like Margadarsi Chit Funds, Eenadu Telugu daily, ETV network of television channels, film production company Usha Kiran Movies and Ramoji Film City (RFC). He also owns Dolphin group of hotels, Kalanjali Saree Showrooms, Priya Foods and Mayuri Film Distributors.

Ramoji Raon was honoured with Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in the country for his contributions in journalism, literature and education, in 2016.