Raghu Rai the Indian colossus

Raghu Rai, an 83-year-old Indian photographer, died on April 26, 2026. He was a self-taught photographer who rose to fame with his portraits of notable figures and everyday life in India. Rai was awarded India's highest civilian award, the Padmashree, in 1971 and was nominated to join Magnum Photos in 1977 by Henri Cartier-Bresson. His work included portraits of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and Indian musicians, as well as an epic series of Indian portraits. Rai's favorite city to photograph was Varanasi, where he captured the city's rituals and street scenes. He also had a 50-year love affair with Calcutta, showcasing its life and Puja celebrations. In 2019, Rai won the Académie des beaux-arts Photography Award – William Klein in Paris.