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The country lost one of its most tireless visual witnesses last month. Photographer and photojournalist Raghu Rai passed away in New Delhi in the early hours of April 26, at 83. Now, the India International Centre, in collaboration with the Raza Foundation, is holding a remembrance evening for him on its premises. Delhi is, after all, one of the cities he spent the better part of his life documenting.
Chief KNMA curator-director Roobina Karode, curator-writer Kishore Singh, scholar Ananya Vajpeyi and artist Jatin Das will be hosting a discussion on Rai’s art and vision in the IIC’s Kamaladevi Complex. This’ll be followed by a film screening – Raghu Rai, an Unframed Portrait (2017) – directed by his daughter, Avani Rai. It will run for almost an hour. And while the event’s on a Monday (May 18) evening, we know for a fact people will show up.
Rai remained based in India throughout his life. If you've ever looked at a photograph of old Delhi, whether its street life or sea of politically significant faces, and felt something catch in your chest, there’s a chance it was his. For 60 years, he was instrumental in chronicling Indian culture, spirituality and political conflicts – and he was rarely interested in capturing a single moment. Turbulence, humour, and longing all found their space, often in the very same photograph.
The IIC, naturally, is no stranger, having hosted movingly curated exhibitions of his photographs. As recently as February 2024, Rai spoke at the IIC’s CD Deshmukh Auditorium about his life’s work. That he should be remembered here feels fitting.
When: May 18, Monday. Starts 6pm.
Where: Multipurpose Hall, Kamaladevi Complex, India International Centre, 40 Max Mueller Marg, Lodi Estate
How to reach: Khan Market Metro (Violet Line) is a 10-minute walk. An auto from Lodhi Road is your other option.