Suman Rao, the managing director of ETV group and the second son of Eenadu's founder Ramoji Rao, passed away at the age of 45 due to prolonged illness at a private hospital in Hyderabad on Friday.
Suman was battling cancer and was undergoing treatment for the past six years at the same hospital, where he breathed his last at around 12.15 am.
He is survived by wife Vijayeshwari, a son and two daughters.
A journalism graduate from Osmania University, Suman was also an actor, writer and documentary film-maker.
The 45-year-old is also credited for introducing songs in television serials like Kalankitha, Endamaavulu, Lady Detective, Sneha, Antahrangalu, and Yendamavulu, among others.
Besides being a recognized media baron, Suman was a script writer and penned several songs. He had also acted in several dramas serials.
His last rites were performed on Friday in the premises of Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad.
Several ministers including Chief Minister N.Kiran Kumar Reddy, N.Chandrababu Naidu, other political and television personalities paid their last respects to Suman. Hundreds of visitors gathered at his residence to offer condolences following his sudden demise.
