Raghu Rai: The poet of the lens of India
Hyderabad: “Creativity is neither a business nor a product of haste; it is purity of mind and soul,” said Raghu Rai, one of India’s most respected photographers, during an impassioned address before a gathering of young dreamers, aspiring photographers, seasoned professionals and a curious audience. Like a sage and with decades of wisdom behind the lens, Rai described photography not as a craft but as a spiritual journey – a journey that requires patience, passion and constant curiosity about the world. Speaking at the auditorium of the College of Fine Arts [24 January 2025], he warned against the allure of instant gratification in an age where smartphones and cameras have turned photography into a fast-food-like pursuit. “True photography,” he explained, “is born of an insatiable quest to uncover the beauty in the mundane, to seek out the stories hidden in the fabric of everyday life, and to capture those fleeting moments where emotion and light collide.” Few have captured the soul of a nation so profoundly as Raghu Rai.
Considered the pioneer of Indian photojournalism, Rai’s lens has been a silent witness to India’s triumphs and sorrows for nearly six decades. At 82, the master photographer credits his elder brother S. Paul for sparking his lifelong romance with the camera – a coincidence that forever changed the course of his life in 1965. A decade later his lens became a mirror reflecting the heart of India – its resilience, grief and emotion. One of his most inspiring works is his documentation of the Bhopal gas tragedy, where his stark black-and-white images captured the horrific consequences of one of the world’s worst industrial disasters. Each photo – from grieving families to deserted streets – became a cry for justice, one that transcended borders His intimate portraits of Mother Teresa, whom he has photographed for many years, are equally poignant. Whether capturing her in quiet prayer, serving the destitute or lost in thought, Rai’s photographs go beyond the surface to reveal her deep humanity and unwavering compassion.
His artistry is not limited to people; it extends to India’s timeless monuments and landscapes. His photographs of the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram masterfully blend the interplay of architecture, light and the sea, capturing both grandeur and spirituality. His work on Ajanta and Ellora, the Taj Mahal and Kashmir reflects a unique ability to see the extraordinary in the familiar, weaving India’s cultural and natural heritage into visual poetry. With 57 books to his credit, Rai has redefined the art of storytelling through images. A Padma Shri awardee, his contribution to photography goes beyond the realm of art; it is an emotional dialogue with humanity, a testament to the power of vision and empathy. Through his lens, Raghu Rai has immortalised the soul of India, presenting the world with a treasure trove of images that speak not just to the eyes but to the heart. He reminds us with every shutter click that photography, at its best, is not about the camera – it’s about the soul behind it.
