Bangladesh War Photographer Raghu Rai Dies

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NEW DELHI – Renowned Indian photographer Raghu Rai, celebrated for his compelling visual chronicles of the nation’s political landscape, cultural icons, and poignant moments, died Sunday, April 26, in a Delhi private hospital after a two-year battle with cancer. He was 83.

His son, Nitin Rai, told news agency PTI that his father was initially diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago and recovered. The disease later spread to his stomach, which was also treated, before ultimately affecting his brain. Rai had also been experiencing age-related health issues.

Born in Jhang, then British India (now Pakistan), in 1942, Rai embarked on his photographic journey in 1962, learning from his elder brother, photographer S. Paul. He began his professional career in the mid-1960s, joining The Statesman newspaper in New Delhi as a photojournalist in 1965.

Over decades, Rai’s lens captured a pantheon of India’s influential figures, including former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the Dalai Lama, Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, film director Satyajit Ray, and Mother Teresa. His powerful imagery of the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy earned him widespread acclaim, and he also documented the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971.

Rai’s significant contributions to photography garnered him numerous national and international awards. In recognition of his profound impact on Indian photography, particularly his work during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and other critical events, he was awarded the Padma Shree, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, in 1972. Throughout his illustrious career, he was associated with several prominent news organizations.

According to family sources, Raghu Rai’s last rites were held on Sunday evening at the Lodhi Road crematorium.