A legend lives on: CM showers praise as Ramoji Excellence Awards debut in style

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy paid rich tributes to the late media legend Ramoji Rao during the inaugural Ramoji Excellence Awards ceremony held at Ramoji Film City on Sunday, marking what would have been Rao’s 89th birth anniversary. The event witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, and multiple Union ministers.

In his address, CM Revanth Reddy described Ramoji Film City as a global landmark, placing it in the same league as Hyderabad’s Charminar, Golconda Fort, and the modern Hi-Tech City. He highlighted the facility’s Guinness World Record recognition since 2005 as the world’s largest film production studio and credited its 1,666-acre integrated infrastructure with elevating Telugu cinema from regional acclaim to Oscar-level recognition. Recalling Ramoji Rao’s iconic remark at the 1996 launch “A filmmaker can walk in with a script and leave with a finished film” the Chief Minister emphasized how the studio transformed the filmmaking ecosystem.

CM Revanth Reddy also acknowledged Ramoji Rao’s multifaceted contributions, spanning the Eenadu media network, Margadarsi financial services, and Mayuri Film Distributors. Despite Rao’s passing in June 2024 at the age of 87, the Chief Minister assured continued government support to uphold the Ramoji brand, describing it as “not just a name, but a symbol of excellence.”

A major highlight of the ceremony was the conferring of the Ramoji Excellence Awards to seven distinguished individuals for their contributions across various fields. Honorees included independent journalist and writer Hardy for achievements in journalism; Pallabi Ghosh for her anti-human trafficking initiatives; environmentalist Amla Ashok Ruia for her conservation work; Pehchaan School founder Akash Tandon for promoting social education; Adikavi Nannaya University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sattupathi Prasanna Sri for preserving tribal languages; scientist Dr. G. Madhavi Latha for research contributions; and visually impaired industrialist Srikanth Bolla for his inspiring entrepreneurial success.

The event was graced by several eminent personalities, including Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, former Chief Justice N.V. Ramana, and members of the Ramoji Group, led by Chairperson Kiran and Managing Director Vijayeshwari. Ramoji Rao’s remarkable journey from beginning as an artist in Delhi after completing his B.Sc. to establishing a media and entertainment empire reshaped India’s cultural landscape. His passing at Hyderabad’s Star Hospital marked the end of a transformative era, but his legacy lives on through Ramoji Film City’s collaboration with Bollywood, Tollywood, and Hollywood. CM Reddy also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to promoting Telugu language administration, reflecting Rao’s cultural ideals.

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, the chief guest, praised Rao’s value-based journalism and underscored the role of media in nation-building. The ceremony also revisited Rao’s Padma Vibhushan honour in 2016 and celebrated his vision that turned dreams into reality.