Mumbai, April 27: Renowned Indian photographer Raghu Rai passed away on Sunday morning while undergoing treatment at a private hospital. He was 83. His demise has triggered a wave of grief across the journalism and photography fraternity.
His son, Nitin Rai, said Rai had been diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago and had recovered. However, the disease later spread to his abdomen. He was also suffering from age-related ailments.
The family informed that the last rites held on Sunday at 4 PM at Lodhi Crematorium in New Delhi. Rai is survived by his wife Gurmeet, son Nitin, and daughters Lagaan, Avani and Poorabai.
One of India’s most celebrated photographers, Rai began his career in 1965 at the age of 23. In 1966, he joined The Statesman as chief photographer and worked there for nearly a decade. He later served as a picture editor for a Kolkata-based weekly.
In 1971, his work was recognised by legendary photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, who nominated him to join Magnum Photos.
Rai was awarded the Padma Shri in 1972 for documenting the 1971 India-Pakistan war and the plight of Bangladeshi refugees. He also received the Photographer of the Year award in the US in 1992 and was honoured by the French government with the Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters in 2009.
In 1982, Rai joined India Today as Picture Editor-cum-Visualiser-cum-Photographer, marking a significant phase in his professional journey.
Soon after the news broke, several prominent personalities expressed grief and paid tribute to the legendary photographer. Actor Amitabh Bachchan said Rai’s work “defined visual storytelling in India,” while actor Anupam Kher called him “a chronicler of India’s soul.”
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur described Rai as “a master who showed the world India through a compassionate lens.” Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui and photographer Dabboo Ratnani also remembered him as an inspiration for generations of visual artists.
One of India’s most celebrated photographers, Rai began his career in 1965 at the age of 23. In 1966, he joined The Statesman as chief photographer and worked there for nearly a decade, before moving on to editorial roles in Kolkata.
In 1971, his work was recognised by legendary photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, who nominated him to join Magnum Photos.
Rai was awarded the Padma Shri in 1972 for documenting the 1971 India-Pakistan war and the plight of Bangladeshi refugees. He later received the Photographer of the Year award in the United States in 1992 and was honoured by the French government with the Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters in 2009.
In 1982, he joined India Today as Picture Editor-cum-Visualiser-cum-Photographer, marking a significant phase in his distinguished career.
