Raghu Rai Dies at 83, Legendary Photographer of Modern India

Raghu Rai, one of India’s most celebrated photojournalists, died on April 27, 2026, in New Delhi at the age of 83. His death was confirmed by his daughter Avani Rai, who said he had been undergoing treatment for lymphoma. With a career spanning more than six decades, Rai became widely known for capturing powerful images that reflected India’s political, cultural, and social landscape.

Throughout his career, Rai photographed some of the most influential figures in Indian and global history, including Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. His work also documented everyday life across the country, from iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal to busy urban scenes, offering a rich visual narrative of India’s evolving identity.

Rai earned widespread recognition for covering major historical events, including the 1971 India-Pakistan war, which led to the creation of Bangladesh, and received the Padma Shri for his work. His haunting images of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy remain among his most powerful contributions, capturing the devastating human impact of the disaster.

Born on December 18, 1942, in the Punjab region of British India (now in Pakistan), Rai initially aimed to become a civil engineer before turning to photography in 1965. He worked with leading publications such as The Statesman and India Today and later joined the global photography agency Magnum Photos in 1977. Over the years, he published nearly 20 books and received several prestigious honors, including France’s Order of Arts and Letters and a lifetime achievement award from the Indian government.

Raghu Rai is survived by his wife, Gurmeet Sangha Rai, and his four children. His legacy lives on through his timeless photographs, which continue to document and define modern India for generations to come.