Legendary Photographer Raghu Rai Passes Away at 83, Padma Shri Awardee Leaves Behind a Visual Legacy
Padma Shri awardee and iconic photographer Raghu Rai dies at 83 after battling cancer and age related ailments, family confirms his passing at a private hospital on Sunday
- Padma Shri Raghu Rai passes away at 83 after illness
- Legendary photographer Raghu Rai battled cancer and age issues
- Iconic photographer Raghu Rai leaves behind powerful visual legacy
Veteran photographer Raghu Rai, widely regarded as one of India’s most influential visual storytellers, passed away on Sunday at the age of 83. His death was confirmed by his son Nitin Rai, who stated that the celebrated artist had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital.
According to family members, Raghu Rai had been struggling with multiple health complications in recent months. While age related ailments had weakened his condition, he was also battling cancer that had progressed despite earlier recovery phases.
Nitin Rai shared that his father was first diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago. Though he initially responded well to treatment and recovered, the illness later spread to his abdomen. Even then, he showed resilience and improved, but in recent days, the cancer reached his brain, leading to a rapid decline in his health.
Born in 1942 in Jhang, located in present day Pakistan’s Punjab region, Raghu Rai’s journey into photography began in 1962. He learned the craft under the guidance of his elder brother S Paul, eventually carving out a unique identity through his powerful images that captured India’s social and cultural landscape.
Over the decades, Raghu Rai’s work not only documented history but also shaped how moments were remembered, making his contribution to photography both timeless and deeply impactful.
