MAM
1702 Digital taps Vishal Dhar to lead digital charge
MUMBAI: 1702 Digital is betting on experience to fuel its next growth spurt. The Mumbai-based consultancy, which bills itself as one of India’s fastest-growing full-service digital transformation shops, has appointed Vishal Dhar as vice president of digital—a move designed to muscle up its strategic firepower in an increasingly crowded market.
Dhar will lead digital strategy, performance marketing and innovation initiatives, working alongside the leadership team to sharpen the agency’s integrated offerings. His brief: drive large-scale campaigns that marry data-driven insights with creativity whilst delivering measurable results.
The appointment comes as 1702 Digital pushes to redefine how brands connect with audiences through what it calls a blend of creativity, technology and measurable impact. Translation: no fluff, all outcomes.
“I’m thrilled to join 1702 Digital at a time when the digital space is evolving faster than ever,” said Dhar. “The agency’s bold approach, creative agility and focus on impact-driven results resonate deeply with my own vision. I look forward to contributing to the next phase of 1702’s growth and driving success for our clients.”
1702 Digital co-founder Mihir Joshi welcomed the hire as a strategic upgrade. “Vishal’s experience and strategic mindset will further elevate our digital capabilities and strengthen our position as a leading partner for brands looking to achieve transformative growth through digital innovation.”
Founder & managing director Aanchal Arora doubled down on the sentiment. “His experience and understanding of the evolving digital landscape make him a perfect fit for our next phase of growth. As we continue to expand our digital ecosystem, Vishal’s leadership and strategic insight will play a pivotal role in elevating our capabilities and reinforcing 1702 Digital’s position as a creative powerhouse.”
The hire marks a key milestone in 1702 Digital’s expansion trajectory, signalling ambitions to move beyond fast-growing upstart status into established player territory. Dhar brings extensive experience across marketing, digital transformation and business growth—credentials the agency clearly believes will help it punch above its weight in pitches and delivery.
Whether 1702 Digital’s bet on seasoned leadership translates into the transformative growth its founders promise remains to be seen. But in an industry where digital expertise is currency and results are king, hiring someone who’s driven large-scale campaigns before is a sensible play. Now Dhar just needs to prove he can do it again—this time with 1702’s name on the work.
MAM
Raghu Rai passes away at 83, leaves behind iconic legacy
Padma Shri-winning photographer documented history across 5 decades.
MUMBAI: The lens may have stilled, but the stories it captured will never fade. Raghu Rai, one of India’s most celebrated photojournalists, passed away on April 26, 2026, at the age of 83. He breathed his last at a private hospital in New Delhi after battling cancer and age-related health issues.
His son, Nitin Rai, revealed that Rai had been diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago, which later spread to the stomach and, more recently, the brain. Despite multiple rounds of treatment, his health had declined in recent months.
Born in 1942 in Jhang, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Rai entered photography in his early twenties, inspired by his elder brother, photographer S. Paul. Beginning his career in the mid-1960s, he went on to build a body of work that spanned more than five decades, contributing to global publications such as Time, Life, GEO, Le Figaro, The New York Times, Vogue, GQ and Marie Claire.
His global recognition took a decisive leap in 1977 when legendary French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson nominated him to join Magnum Photos, placing him among the world’s most respected visual storytellers.
Rai’s lens chronicled both power and poignancy. He photographed towering figures such as Indira Gandhi, Dalai Lama, Bal Thackeray, Satyajit Ray and Mother Teresa, while also documenting defining moments like the Bhopal gas tragedy later captured in his book Exposure: A Corporate Crime.
Over the years, he published more than 18 books, building an archive that blended journalism with artistry. His contributions were recognised early when he was awarded the Padma Shri in 1972 for his coverage of the Bangladesh War and refugee crisis. In 1992, he was named “Photographer of the Year” in the United States for his work in National Geographic, and in 2009, he was honoured with the Officier des Arts et des Lettres by the French government.
Rai is survived by his wife Gurmeet, son Nitin, and daughters Lagan, Avani and Purvai. His last rites will be held at Lodhi Cremation Ground in New Delhi at 4 pm on Sunday.
With his passing, Indian photojournalism loses not just a pioneer, but a patient observer of history, one frame at a time.
