Renowned photojournalist Raghu Rai, whose camera captured every shade of India’s chaotic yet riveting journey as a nation with empathy and nuance for over five decades, and who became a lodestar to a generation of photographers both home and abroad, passed away at a hospital on Sunday. He was 83.
Struggle with illness
“He had been suffering from cancer. But his condition worsened in the past couple of weeks,” his assistant Amit Chauhan said. Rai’s health had been declining for some time, and he was under medical care until his final moments.
A legendary career
Rai began his career in the 1960s and quickly rose to prominence with his powerful black-and-white images that captured the essence of India. He worked for publications like Life magazine and later joined India Today, where his work became synonymous with the magazine’s visual identity. His portfolio includes iconic photographs of the Bhopal gas tragedy, the assassination of Indira Gandhi, and the daily life of India’s diverse communities.
Influence and legacy
Rai was a mentor to many young photographers and played a pivotal role in elevating photojournalism in India. His work earned him numerous awards, including the Padma Shri in 1971. He was also a member of the prestigious Magnum Photos agency. His passing marks the end of an era in Indian photography.
He is survived by his family and a vast body of work that continues to inspire. Tributes have poured in from across the world, celebrating his life and contributions.
