Photographer Raghu Rai, first Indian invited to join Magnum Photos, dies at 83
Raghu Rai, one of India's foremost photojournalists and the first Indian photographer invited to join Magnum Photos in 1977 on the nomination of Henri Cartier-Bresson, died in Delhi on 26 April 2026 at the age of 83; Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his death.
Summary
Raghu Rai, the photojournalist regarded as one of the foremost chroniclers of independent India, died in Delhi on 26 April 2026 at the age of 83, according to Al Jazeera and The Indian Express. In 1977 Rai became the first Indian photographer invited to join Magnum Photos, on the nomination of French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, as reported by The Indian Express and the BBC. Rai was a Padma Shri awardee, as both Al Jazeera and The Indian Express report. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as a creative stalwart who immortalised India's vibrancy through his lens.
Key facts
- Died
- 26 April 2026, Delhi, aged 83
- Magnum Photos
- Joined 1977; first Indian invited; nominated by Henri Cartier-Bresson
- Honour
- Padma Shri
- PM's tribute
- 'Creative stalwart' who captured India's vibrancy
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Raghu Rai, who died on 26 April 2026, was the first Indian photographer invited to join which photo agency?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Magnum Photos
Rai joined Magnum Photos in 1977 on the nomination of Henri Cartier-Bresson.
Which photographer nominated Raghu Rai to join Magnum Photos?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Henri Cartier-Bresson
Rai was nominated by French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, a founding member of Magnum.
In which year did Raghu Rai join Magnum Photos?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1977
The Indian Express and the BBC both report that Rai joined Magnum Photos in 1977.