Remembering Raghu Rai: The photographer who showed India to itself
With Rai's passing, India has lost a visual historian who was a chronicler of its most defining and often painful moments.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"He didn’t just take photographs, he preserved our nation’s memory."
— Rahul Gandhi , Politician
"To the world, he was an incomparable master of photography, the visionary who captured the pulsating heart and soul of India."
— Shashi Tharoor , Politician
"I meet my god through my camera."
— Raghu Rai , Celebrity
"Once I pick up my camera, I am driven by the ever-changing energy of life and nature."
— Raghu Rai , Celebrity
"A portrait must reflect the moment, the experience of the person, the energy of the person."
— Raghu Rai , Celebrity
"Raghu Rai was a creative stalwart who captured India's vibrancy through his lens."
— Narendra Modi , Politician
"Some artists transcend art categories and labels and are extraordinary in the way they gather and live through the breadth of their experiences."
— Roobina Karode , Academic
"He was a perfectionist and a genius who knew what commanded attention."
— Pramod Kapoor , Executive
"Bohemian on one side, serious on the end, he held a passion for life in every respect."
— Rajeev Lochan , Academic
"A Padma Shri awardee, his powerful coverage of the Bangladesh Liberation War, along with several photographs of eminent personalities..."
— Mallikarjun Kharge , Politician
"एक ऐसे दौर में, जब अपने भी अक्सर नज़रें चुरा लेते हैं, रघु राय ने हमेशा और करीब से देखने की जिद की।"
— Manish Sisodia , Politician
Key People
Amitabh Bachchan is a prominent Indian film actor and television host.
The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and a global advocate for peace.
Henri Cartier-Bresson was a French photographer considered a pioneer of modern photojournalism.
Indira Gandhi was the first female Prime Minister of India, serving from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984.
Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale was a prominent Sikh separatist leader in India.
Lata Mangeshkar was a legendary playback singer and Asha Bhosle's sister.
Mallikarjun Kharge is the president of the Indian National Congress.
Manish Sisodia is the former deputy chief minister of Delhi and a senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party.
MF Hussain was a renowned painter and one of India's most celebrated artists.
Mother Teresa was a Catholic nun and missionary known for her humanitarian work and dedication to the poor.
Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India.
Pramod Kapoor is the founder and publisher of Roli Books and a close friend of Raghu Rai.
Raghu Rai was an internationally acclaimed photographer and one of the foremost chroniclers of independent India.
Rahul Gandhi is an Indian politician and member of the Indian National Congress.
Rajeev Lochan is an artist and former director of the National Gallery of Modern Art.
Roobina Karode is the Artistic Director and Chief Curator at Kiran Nadar Museum of Art.
Satyajit Ray was an acclaimed filmmaker in Indian cinema.
Shashi Tharoor is an Indian parliamentarian and author known for his insights on Indian culture and politics.
Ustad Bismillah Khan was a celebrated Indian shehnai musician and one of the most influential figures in Indian classical music.
Tags
All Coverage
With Rai's passing, India has lost a visual historian who was a chronicler of its most defining and often painful moments.
Renowned Indian photographer Raghu Rai, celebrated for capturing the nation's diverse essence, has passed away at the age of 83.
One of the most prolific visual chroniclers of contemporary India, he instilled life into every photograph that he took.
Political leaders and public figures paid tribute, remembering his powerful photojournalism that captured the 'soul of India.'
Raghu Rai, one of India's best known photographers whose lens captured India in its many shades, died at a private hospital here in the early hours of Sunday. He was 83.
Internationally acclaimed photographer Raghu Rai, widely regarded as one of the foremost chroniclers of independent India, has died at the age of 83.
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