Let's take a look at the Padma Vibhushan awardee's journey
Rao was born in November 1936, in Pedaparupudi in Andhra Pradesh's Krishna District.
In 1974, he launched Eenadu, which quickly became one of the most influential newspapers in the Telugu-speaking states of Andhra Pradesh & Telangana.
He started his career in the entertainment world by producing Srivariki Premalekha. Since then, he produced various hits like Nuvve Kavali, and Teja.
Rao founded Ramoji Film City near Hyderabad. Spanning over 2,000 acres, it holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest film studio globally.
He was conferred with Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award for his contributions in journalism, literature and education.
Rao, 87, who had been undergoing treatment for the past few days, breathed his last at 4.50 am in Hyderabad.