Legendary Photographer Raghu Rai, India’s Visual Historian, Passes Away

Raghu Rai, one of India’s most celebrated photographers, has died at 83. Throughout his distinguished career, Rai established himself as a preeminent visual chronicler of independent India, capturing pivotal moments that defined the nation’s modern history.

Rai’s most iconic works include his powerful documentation of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and his haunting photojournalism from the 1984 Bhopal gas disaster, which claimed approximately 25,000 lives. These series demonstrated his commitment to bearing witness to significant historical events through his lens.

His photographs have been exhibited internationally and remain essential records of India’s contemporary history. Rai’s legacy extends beyond his individual works; he shaped how photojournalism addressed social and political issues in India and influenced generations of visual storytellers.

Source: Al Jazeera | April 27, 2026

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