New Delhi, April 26, 2026— Celebrated Indian photojournalist Raghu Rai has passed away at the age of 83. He breathed his last early Sunday morning in New Delhi, his family confirmed, as reported by Indian media.
Rai’s career spanned more than five decades, during which he emerged as one of South Asia’s most influential visual storytellers. Although he began his professional life as a civil engineer, he later shifted his focus to photography—a decision that would define his legacy.
Introduced to photography at the age of 23 by his elder brother, Rai quickly rose to prominence as a leading photojournalist. His work vividly documented India’s diverse landscapes, social realities, and human experiences.
He is widely recognized for his powerful portraits of global and Indian figures, including former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, spiritual leader Dalai Lama, Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, and acclaimed filmmaker Satyajit Ray. His lens also captured the humanitarian work of Mother Teresa.
Rai received numerous national and international accolades for his contributions to photography, including India’s prestigious Padma Shri award in 1972. His documentation of the Bangladesh Liberation War remains one of the most compelling visual records of the conflict.
According to family sources, his last rites will be performed later today at the Lodhi Road crematorium in New Delhi.
Raghu Rai’s passing marks the end of an era in photojournalism, leaving behind a profound visual archive that continues to inspire generations.
