Raghu Rai, the Poet of the Lens Who Captured the Soul of India, Passes Away at 83

New Delhi, April 26 (TNA) Legendary photo journalist Raghu Rai passed away on Sunday after a long battle with cancer, his family said. He was 83, and his passing marks the end of an era for Indian visual history.

Often hailed as the “father of modern Indian photojournalism,” Rai dedicated his life to documenting the intricate layers of the subcontinent, earning global acclaim for his ability to translate the chaotic beauty and profound human condition of India into singular, timeless frames.

His journey began in the 1960s, eventually leading him to join the esteemed Magnum Photos in 1977 at the invitation of Henri Cartier-Bresson, a landmark achievement that brought Indian perspectives to the international stage.

Throughout a career spanning over five decades, Rai served as a witness to history, capturing searing images of the Bangladesh Liberation War and the Bhopal gas tragedy, while also producing intimate, empathetic portraits of figures such as Mother Teresa, Indira Gandhi and the Dalai Lama.

A recipient of the Padma Shri in 1972, he leaves behind an unparalleled body of work across 18 books that continue to shape how the world perceives the spirit and struggles of India.