Remembering Raghu Rai: The photographer who showed India to itself
Abhishek Dey | BBC | 27th April 2026
Rai was widely regarded as one of India’s foremost photographers. He chronicled major national events, such as the 1980’s Sikh militancy, with an understanding of the nation’s contradictions. His portraits of India’s political and social elite shaped how the nation saw its leaders. Just as importantly, he recorded the rhythms of everyday Indian life in a way that “bridged reportage and art”. He aimed, he said, to capture “life’s longing for itself.” Images are here.