Indian Photographer Raghu Rai Dies at 83

Renowned Indian photographer Raghu Rai, whose images chronicled the nation's pivotal historical moments over seven decades, died early Sunday in New Delhi at the age of 83. He passed away at a private hospital after battling prostate cancer that had spread to his brain, compounded by age-related complications, according to his son Nitin Rai.

Rai is survived by his wife, Gurmeet, a writer, educationist and heritage conservationist, as well as son Nitin and daughters Avani, Lagan and Purvai. His family announced the news through his official social media accounts. The last rites are scheduled for 4 p.m. at Lodhi Road Crematorium.

Born Raghunath Rai Chowdhury on December 18, 1942, in Jhang, Punjab, now part of Pakistan, Rai trained as a civil engineer but entered photography serendipitously in the 1960s. Visiting his brother, photographer S. Paul, in Delhi during a professional break, Rai borrowed a camera and captured his first notable image: a donkey staring directly into the lens during a trip to a Haryana village. His brother submitted the photo to The Times of London, where it was published, marking the start of Rai's career. By 1965, he had joined The Statesman newspaper in...