Raghu Rai, Legendary Indian Photographer, 1942–2026
The legendary Indian photojournalist, Raghu Rai, has died aged 83
Raghu Rai. Photo: instagram.com/@raghurai_official
The legendary Indian photojournalist, Raghu Rai, has died aged 83.
Born in Jhang in British India (Pakistan after partition) Rai initially studied civil engineering before following the footsteps of his older brother to become a photographer. In 1966 Rai began his career at The Statesman. In 1968 he joined India Today, where he produced one of his best known projects covering the 1984 chemical disaster at Bhopal. Over his career spanning six decades, Rai published over 30 books on his documentary works.
In 1977, Rai was nominated a member of Magnum Photos by Henri Cartier-Bresson, after the latter saw Rai’s exhibition at Gallery Delpire in Paris in 1972. The exhibition showcased his work on the 1971 India-Pakistan War and the plight of Bangladeshi refugees. The first Indian photographer associated with Magnum Photos, Rai remained involved in the agency until his death.
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