Raghu Rai, one of India’s most celebrated photographers whose work captured the country in its many moods and moments, passed away in the early hours of Sunday at a private hospital. He was 83.
His son, Nitin Rai, confirmed that Rai had been battling cancer for some time. “Dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago but he was cured. Then it spread to the stomach, that too was treated. Recently, the cancer spread to his brain, along with age-related complications,” he told PTI.
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Rai is survived by his wife Gurmeet, son Nitin, and daughters Lagan, Avani, and Purvai. His last rites will be performed at Lodhi Crematorium at 4 pm on Sunday.
Born on December 18, 1942, in Jhang, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Rai initially trained as a civil engineer before discovering his passion for photography at the age of 23. He began his professional journey with The Statesman in 1966 as its chief photographer.
Over the next six decades, Rai built an extraordinary legacy, documenting India’s political shifts, cultural diversity, and everyday life with remarkable depth and sensitivity. His lens captured defining moments and personalities, making him one of the most influential visual storytellers in the country.
Rai’s work earned him widespread recognition, including the prestigious Padma Shri, and his photographs continue to inspire generations of photographers and storytellers.
