Prominent photojournalist Raghu Rai dies at 83 after prolonged illness
Rai was one of the most prominent photojournalist of India who captured some of the country's iconic shades.
Raghu Rai death: Renowned photojournalist Raghu Rai died at the age of 83 on Sunday after battling cancer for a long time and age-related complications.
Rai's son, Nitin, a photographer himself informed about his father's demise. He is survived by his wife, Gurmeet, son Nitin and daughters Lagan, Avani and Purvai.
"Dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago, but he was cured. Then it spread to the stomach, that too was cured. Recently, the cancer spread to his brain and then there were age-related issues too," Nitin Rai said.
Rai was one of the most prominent photojournalist of India who captured some of the country's iconic shades. His last rites will be conducted at the Lodhi Cremation Ground in New Delhi at 4 pm on Sunday, the family informed via a post on Instagram.
Raghu Rai began his photography career at the age of 23 in 1965. Just a year later, in 1966, he became the chief photographer at The Statesman, where he worked for nearly ten years. After that, he took up a role as a picture editor at a weekly news magazine published in Kolkata.
In 1971, his work caught the attention of renowned photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, who recommended him for membership in Magnum Photos, one of the most prestigious photography groups in the world.
The very next year, in 1972, Rai received the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour. He was recognised for his powerful work covering the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, including the struggles of Bangladeshi refugees and Pakistan’s surrender during the war.