Raghu Rai, the celebrated Indian photographer whose lens captured the essence of India for over five decades, has died at the age of 83. His family confirmed his passing in New Delhi on Monday.
A Life in Pictures
Born in 1942 in Jhang, now in Pakistan, Rai moved to Delhi after partition. He began his career as a photojournalist for The Statesman in 1965, later becoming a freelance photographer. His work for Magnum Photos, which he joined in 1977, brought him international acclaim.
Rai’s photographs are known for their intimate and often poetic portrayal of Indian life. He documented everything from the daily struggles of the poor to the vibrant festivals and political upheavals. His series on the Bhopal gas tragedy remains one of the most powerful visual records of the disaster.
Recognition and Legacy
Rai received numerous awards, including the Padma Shri in 1992. His work has been exhibited worldwide and published in many books. He was also a close associate of Henri Cartier-Bresson, who described him as having “the eye of a poet.”
He is survived by his wife, two children, and grandchildren. The photography community mourns the loss of a master who saw beauty in the ordinary and dignity in the marginalized.
