Legendary Photojournalist Raghu Rai passes away at 83
Nation Mourns Iconic Visual Storyteller
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, April 26, 2026: Renowned Indian photojournalist Raghu Rai, whose powerful images shaped the country’s visual memory for decades, passed away on Sunday at the age of 83 after battling cancer and age-related complications.
He had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital. His son, Nitin Rai, confirmed that while Rai had earlier recovered from prostate and stomach cancer, the disease later spread to his brain, alongside other health issues linked to age.
Born on December 18, 1942, in Jhang (now in Pakistan), Rai began his photography career in the 1960s and went on to become one of India’s most respected visual chroniclers. He started with The Statesman and later gained widespread recognition during his impactful tenure with India Today in the 1980s.
Rai’s work captured defining moments in India’s history—from the Bangladesh Liberation War to the haunting aftermath of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. His evocative photograph “Burial of an Unknown Child” remains one of the most powerful visual representations of human tragedy and resilience.
Over a career spanning more than five decades, Rai also created memorable portraits of prominent figures such as Indira Gandhi and Mother Teresa, while documenting everyday life across India with unmatched depth and sensitivity.
Widely regarded as a pioneer of Indian photojournalism, Rai believed in the enduring power of images, once stating that while written history can be rewritten, visual history remains permanent.
His last rites will be performed at the Lodhi Cremation Ground in New Delhi at 4 pm on Sunday.