Legendary Photographer Raghu Rai Passes Away at 83, Remembered by Leaders and Artists
Raghu Rai dies at 83: Mallikarjun Kharge, Manish Sisodia, others remember icon who "showed courage to capture every truth"
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
Raghu Rai, a renowned Indian photographer, passed away on April 26, 2026, at the age of 83. Political leaders and public figures, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Manish Sisodia, paid tribute to his impactful work in photojournalism, which captured the essence of India and significant historical events.
- 01Raghu Rai passed away on April 26, 2026, at 83 years old.
- 02He was celebrated for his powerful photography that documented India's history and culture.
- 03Tributes came from notable figures like Mallikarjun Kharge and Manish Sisodia.
- 04Rai received the Padma Shri award in 1972 for his contributions to photography.
- 05His legacy includes iconic images from events like the Bangladesh Liberation War and the Bhopal Gas Tragedy.
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Raghu Rai, a legendary Indian photographer, died on April 26, 2026, at the age of 83. Known for his profound ability to capture the essence of India, Rai's work spanned over five decades, documenting critical historical events and the everyday lives of ordinary people. Tributes from political leaders, including Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge and Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia, highlighted his courage in portraying truth through his lens. Kharge noted Rai's powerful coverage of the Bangladesh Liberation War, while Sisodia emphasized his relentless pursuit of truth amid societal challenges. Born on December 18, 1942, in Jhang (now in Pakistan), Rai gained global acclaim as a protégé of Henri Cartier-Bresson and joined Magnum Photos in 1977. His legacy includes iconic images of figures like Indira Gandhi and events such as the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. Rai was awarded the Padma Shri in 1972 and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. His cremation is scheduled for April 26, 2026, at the Lodhi Road Cremation Ground, leaving behind a rich archive of Indian history.
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Rai's passing marks a significant loss for the photography community and the cultural landscape of India, as his work has inspired generations of photographers and artists.
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