Randeep Hooda, Dia Mirza, PM Modi Pay Tribute to Legendary Photographer Raghu Rai

Legendary Indian photographer Raghu Rai passed away on April 26, 2026, at the age of 83. Actor Randeep Hooda paid tribute on Instagram, praising Rai's iconic black-and-white frames. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the loss, calling it an irreparable loss to photography and culture. Rai, a protege of Henri Cartier-Bresson, was awarded the Padma Shri in 1972.

Key Points: Raghu Rai Dies at 83: Tributes from Randeep Hooda, PM Modi

  • Legendary photographer Raghu Rai passes away at 83
  • Randeep Hooda, Dia Mirza lead tributes
  • PM Modi calls it an irreparable loss
  • Rai was a protege of Henri Cartier-Bresson
  • Awarded Padma Shri in 1972
2 min read

"He lives on through frames": Randeep Hooda pays tribute to legendary photographer Raghu Rai in heartfelt post

Actor Randeep Hooda, Dia Mirza, and PM Modi honor legendary photographer Raghu Rai, who passed away at 83. Known for iconic frames and Padma Shri award.

"He lives on through these frames and his extraordinary gaze will forever be an inspiration. - Randeep Hooda"

Mumbai, April 26

Actor Randeep Hooda on Sunday paid homage to legendary Indian photographer Raghu Rai, honouring his extraordinary legacy left through his iconic frames.

Taking to his Instagram story, Randeep wrote, "Sad to hear of Raghu Rai's passing. His black and white frames told stories that captured the essence of the moment and enlightened us more about us. He lives on through these frames and his extraordinary gaze will forever be an inspiration. Om Shanti."

Actor Dia Mirza also offered her tributes on Instagram and wrote, "Raghu Rai rest in light. Om Shanti."

Notably, tributes have been pouring in from public figures as well as political leaders from across the country following the demise of Raghu Rai, who passed away on April 26, 2026, at the age of 83.

The news was confirmed by his family on his official social media handle, along with a black-and-white portrait of the photographer captured in his own style.

Many took to the comment section to pay tributes, including the likes of Konkona Sen Sharma, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, Nimrat Kaur, Rekha Bhardwaj, and Guneet Monga, among others.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled Rai's passing in an X post.

In a post on X, PM Modi 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."

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 cemented his place among the world's elite photographers.

His work forms a visual chronicle of modern India. From the aftermath of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy to portraits of figures like Mother Teresa and Indira Gandhi, Rai documented both historic milestones and everyday life.

His images of Indian streets and the banks of the Ganges remain iconic representations of the country's spirit.

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.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

L
Lauren Z
My dad is a photography enthusiast and he always spoke about Raghu Rai with so much reverence. To think he was nominated by Cartier-Bresson himself—that's a league of his own. This man didn't just take photos; he told stories of our soil. Om Shanti.
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Ravi K
I must admit, I discovered his work only recently when I saw his portrait of Mother Teresa. The way he captured her eyes—it was like she was looking right through you. It's a shame that many young Indians may not know his name. His legacy should be in our school textbooks. Just my two paise. 🙏
S
Sneha F
What a beautiful tribute from Randeep Hooda. "He lives on through these frames"—that's exactly it. Raghu Rai's black and white photos of the Ganges, the ghats, the everyday people... they feel timeless. His gaze made the ordinary extraordinary. A precious soul we've lost. 🕊️
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Deepak U
I appreciate PM Modi acknowledging his contribution—about time we honour our cultural icons properly. But I wish governments had done more to promote his work in India while he was alive. So many of his masterpieces are known more abroad than in our own country. We need to do better for our artists. Rest in peace, Padma Shri Raghu Rai.
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Tanya I
Om Shanti, Raghu Rai ji. 📸♾️ You gave us a visual history of modern India—from the turmoil of Bhopal to the silent spirituality of the Ganges. Your frames will keep teaching us what we often forget to see. Deepest condolences to his family and to the entire photography fraternity

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