Renowned photojournalist Raghu Rai dies at 83 after battle with cancer

Renowned Indian photojournalist Raghu Rai has passed away at the age of 83 after battling cancer and age-related complications. He was admitted to a private hospital in New Delhi, where he breathed his last. According to family members, he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago, which initially went into remission before reappearing and eventually spreading to other parts of the body, including the stomach and brain.

His son, Nitin Rai, who is also a photographer, confirmed that his father’s health had been declining due to the recurrence of cancer along with age-related issues. The family stated that despite undergoing treatment and temporary recovery phases, his condition worsened in recent weeks, leading to his demise.

Raghu Rai’s last rites will be performed at Lodhi Cremation Ground at 4 pm on Sunday. He is survived by his wife Gurmeet, son Nitin, and daughters Lagan, Avani, and Purvai. Family members, friends, and members of the photography community are expected to attend the final rites to pay tribute to his legacy.

Widely regarded as one of India’s most influential photographers, Raghu Rai began his career in the 1960s and went on to document some of the most defining moments in modern Indian history. His work captured major events such as the Bangladesh Liberation War, the Bhopal gas tragedy, and portraits of prominent global figures including Mother Teresa and Indira Gandhi. His association with Magnum Photos and leading international publications established him as a global name in photojournalism.

Over a career spanning several decades, Rai received numerous honours including the Padma Shri, the “Photographer of the Year” award in the United States, and recognition from the French government. His powerful visual storytelling is widely credited with shaping documentary photography in India, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence generations of photographers.