Legendary Indian Photographer Raghu Rai Passes Away at 83
POLIQ NEWS
Internationally acclaimed Indian photographer Raghu Rai passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in Delhi at the age of 83 after a battle with cancer and age-related ailments. Rai, a pioneer of Indian photojournalism, was renowned for his powerful documentation of India's political and social landscape over five decades. A protégé of Henri Cartier-Bresson, who nominated him to Magnum Photos, Rai's iconic works include profound images of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy and the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. He also extensively photographed Mother Teresa and various political leaders. Awarded the Padma Shri in 1972, Rai's lens captured the soul of a transforming nation, leaving behind a monumental visual legacy.
Key Takeaways
- Raghu Rai, a celebrated Indian photographer, died at 83 on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in Delhi.
- He was a pioneer of Indian photojournalism, renowned for his extensive coverage of India's political and social narratives.
- His notable works include the haunting images of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy and documentation of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
- Rai was a member of the prestigious Magnum Photos, nominated by Henri Cartier-Bresson, and a recipient of the Padma Shri in 1972.