Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 27 ENTERTAINMENT May 1, 2026 “Captured India’s Vibrancy Through His Lens”: PM Modi Condoles Passing Of Renowned Photographer Raghu Rai P rime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the passing of eminent photogra- pher Raghu Rai, describing him as a creative stalwart who immortalised India’s vibrancy through his lens. In a post on X, PMModi wrote, “His photography had extraordinary sensitivity, depth and diversity. It brought people closer to the different aspects of life in India. His passing is an irreparable loss to the world of photography and culture. My thoughts are with his family, admirers and the photography fraternity in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.” Rai, celebrated for his ability to capture the “extraor inary in the ordinary,” leaves behind an unparalleled archive documenting India’s social, political and cul- tural evolution. Born on December 18, 1942, in Jhang (now in Pakistan), Rai rose to global prominence as a protege of Henri Cartier-Bresson, who nominated him to join Magnum Photos in 1977, an achievement that cement- ed his place among the world’s elite photographers. His work forms a visual chronicle of modern India. From the haunting aftermath of the Bhopal Gas Trag- edy to intimate portraits of figures like Mother Teresa and Indira Gandhi, Rai’s lens captured both historic milestones and everyday life. His evocative images of Indian streets and the banks of the Ganges remain iconic representations of the country’s spirit. His cremation took place April 26, 2026, at 4:00 pm at the Lodhi Road Cremation Ground. Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar paid tribute to leg- endary photographer. Remembering Rai’s contribution and his personal experience with him, Bhandarkar said the photographer had helped him during the research for his 2017 thriller Indu Sarkar . Calling his camera a “compass for truth,” the filmmaker shared an emo- tional note on X. Taking to social media, Madhur wrote, “Sad to hear of Raghu Rai’s sir demise. During my research for the film #InduSarkar, he gave great insight into India’s Emer- gency. His camera was a compass for truth, and his work a meditation on life. Sir you will be deeply missed and forever celebrated. #OmShanti” He was awarded Padma Shri in 1972 and Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 by the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for his decades of service to photography. Notably, tributes have been pouring in from public figures as well as political leaders from across the coun- try following Rai’s demise, including filmmaker Varun Grover, historianWilliam Dalrymple, and spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. National Award-winning lyricist, screenwriter and stand-up comedian Varun Grover paid an emotional tribute, writing, “The silent storyteller, the interpreter of light, the most gentle and kind – Mr. Raghu Rai has departed. The time is moving faster than we can reg- ister, the characters of this grand play sticking to their exit-stage cues, an ache fills the room – we applaud and we cry. Thank you Raghu saab. Aap hamesha yaad aayenge.” Historian and bestselling authorWilliam Dalrymple remembered Rai as both a mentor and a dear friend. “So very sad to hear about the passing of my friend and mentor, Raghu Rai. Raghu was not just the great- est Indian photographer of his generation, he was the most beloved, generous & wonderful man. His book on Delhi was the first book I ever bought about the city, and it was he who first taught me how to look at it and pin it to paper. Later he became the kindest of friends. I adored him and loved his warmth and energy and wild enthusiams. Om Shanti…. he will be much, much missed,” he wrote. Spiritual guru Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev also paid tribute, stating, “Raghu Rai’s keen eye immortalized the trials and triumphs of Bharat with candor & vividness. Will be greatly missed & ever remembered fondly. Our deepest condolences to all bereaved by his passing. Blessings. Sg” Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also highlighted the contribution of Raghu Rai’s work in Indian history and its cultural representation. On his official X handle, he paid tribute to the late legend and wrote, “Raghu Rai ji’s lens chronicled the soul of India for over six decades – its people, its struggles, its joys, and its defining mo- ments. He didn’t just take photographs, he preserved our nation’s memory. My heartfelt condolences to his family, his colleagues, and the countless admirers his work touched across generations.” -ANI PHOTO: INSTAGRAM COURTESY ANI Announcement of Raghu Rai’s cremation. Lens Of One Of The World’s Finest Visual Storytellers Has Finally Closed I ndia’s cultural and artistic commu- nity is mourning the loss of legend- ary photojournalist Raghu Rai, who passed away on April 26, 2026, at the age of 83. Among those paying tribute, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor shared a deeply personal and evocative message, remembering Rai not only as a global icon but also as a figure tied to his own child- hood memories. Taking to X, Tharoor wrote, “It is with deep sorrow that I learned the devastat- ing news of the passing of Raghu Rai. Today, the lens of one of the world’s finest visual storytellers has finally closed. My memories of Raghu stretch back to my childhood, since he was a colleague of my father’s at The Statesman newspaper.” Reflecting on Rai’s influence, he added, “For me, he wasn’t just a global name; he was the man with the gentle smile and the observant eye who inspired my father’s generation of journalists. To the world, he was an incomparable master of photog- raphy, the visionary who captured the pulsating heart and soul of India.” In his tribute, Tharoor highlighted Rai’s global stature and career milestones, not- ing, “From his powerful early years at The Statesman to his prestigious appointment by Henri Cartier-Bresson to Magnum Photos, his contribution to visual history is unparalleled.” Rai was mentored by Henri Cartier- Bresson and joined Magnum Photos in 1977, cementing his place among the world’s elite photographers. His body of work includes some of the most defining visual records of modern India. Tharoor recalled, “His portfolio contains many of the world’s most defin- ing images: the harrowing documentation of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, his profound and intimate portraits of Mother Teresa and Indira Gandhi, and countless scenes that captured the exquisite beauty and complex humanity of everyday Indian life.” Rai’s accolades include the Padma Shri (1972) and the inaugural Academie des Beaux-Arts Photography Award, along- side numerous international honours. He also authored several influential books, including Indira Gandhi, The Sikhs, Raghu Rai’s India, and Mother Teresa. Concluding his tribute, Tharoor wrote, “Raghu Rai did not just photograph India; he lived it, and through his lens, he made us feel its pulse. Our thoughts are with his beloved family: his wife Gurmeet Rai, and children Nitin, Lagan, Avani, and Purvai during this painful time. Rest in power and peace, Raghu Rai. Your vision will forever be the lens through which India is seen. Om Shanti.” -ANI PHOTO: INSTAGRAM COURTESY ANI Renowned photographer Raghu Rai.