Renowned photojournalist Raghu Rai died early Sunday at age 83. His cremation took place at Lodhi Cremation Ground in Delhi that evening, attended by family, friends and admirers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi were among leaders paying tribute to his legacy.
A camera rested on Raghu Rai's chest during his final rites at Lodhi Cremation Ground, alongside a roll of Kodak ColorPlus 200 film, symbols of his career.
His wife Gurmeet Sangha Rai stood with their children Nitin, Lagan, Purvai and Avani. Attendees included former MP Maneka Gandhi, India Today founder Aroon Purie, ThePrint's Shekhar Gupta, artists Bharti Kher, Subodh Gupta and Jatin Das, and designer Rajeev Sethi. Photojournalists such as Gurinder Osan of Press Trust of India, Bandeep Singh of India Today and others were present.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X that Rai was a "creative stalwart who captured India’s vibrancy through his lens", noting the "extraordinary sensitivity, depth and diversity" of his work. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said Rai’s lens "chronicled the soul of India for over six decades – its people, its struggles, its joys, and its defining moments".
Photographer Sondeep Shankar recalled meeting Rai in 1972 when he won a prize judged by him. Prashant Panjiar described Rai as magnanimous and tough, advising to fight for photo space. A memorial will be held on May 2 at 6 pm at Chinmaya Mission Centre on Lodhi Road.
